How to identify unmarked squad cars, officers

MADISON, Wis.— The Madison Police Department is making some changes to help members of the public identify staff as local officers.

Our department has received a lot of questions recently on how people can tell the difference between MPD officers and those belonging to other agencies.

Most commissioned employees at our department wear a military-style uniform. These uniforms contain the Madison Police Department patch, badge and nametag. Some employees, such as commanders or detectives, have the option to dress in plain clothes. These employees have been instructed to wear a jacket containing the MPD patch or clothing items with the words Madison Police on them.

All unmarked squad cards now have a special placard hanging in the windshield signaling they are assigned to the Madison Police Department. Unmarked squad cars are primarily driven by commanders, detectives and their supervisors and community outreach officers. We have unmarked sedans, minivans, pickup trucks and SUVs. Again, all will have a placard indicating they are being driven by someone from our department.

"We really just wanted to bring some clarity to what people are seeing and experiencing in our community,” said Madison Police Chief John Patterson.

Patrol officers will continue to drive marked squad cars. The Madison Police Department services are always accessible to our entire community.