Bread And Badges

For Immediate Release:

MADISON, Wis. — Behind every badge is a person, and behind every door is a story. In recognition of National Police Week, the Madison Police Department's Midtown District is launching a new community engagement initiative designed to bring officers and residents to the same table — literally.

Bread & Badges is a pilot project that pairs Midtown police officers with community members who volunteer to host them for a meal and casual conversation in their home. The goal is simple: create space for authentic dialogue, build trust, and strengthen relationships beyond calls for service.

Throughout the week of May 10–16, participating officers will step away from traditional enforcement roles and into dining tables to listen, share experiences, and connect in meaningful ways.

“This is about slowing down," said Midtown District Commander Shannon Blackamore. “It's about sitting together as neighbors, not just as police and public. When we take time to hear one another's stories, we build understanding that can't happen through a squad car window."

Bread & Badges was developed as a grassroots approach to community policing. An energetic community member wanting to connect with patrol officers over a meal, presented the idea to Blackamore. Thus, the initiative gained life.

Unlike structured forums or formal presentations, the gatherings are intentionally informal and personal. There is no set agenda. Only conversation.

“Trust isn't built in a moment of crisis. It's built in everyday conversations," said Officer A. Lewis, co-lead of the initiative. “Bread & Badges gives us the chance to show up not just as officers, but as people who care deeply about the neighborhoods, we serve."

The initiative is being piloted in Midtown, along with the Community Outreach and Resource Education (CORE) team, to evaluate its impact and potential expansion to other districts. The hope is Bread & Badges becomes a model for how law enforcement and community can come together in ways that feel personal, respectful and real.

“National Police Week honors those who serve and those we've lost," Blackamore said. “Launching Bread & Badges during this week reminds us that service is not only about response. It's also about building community bonds."

Residents interested in learning more about future participation opportunities can contact Yvette Craig, community engagement specialist for MPD, at ycraig@cityofmadison.com.