Talk to an Officer
Thank you for taking the time to learn about the Madison Police Department! We have a dedicated team of officers available to answer your questions. Email any of these about the daily job functions of a police officer, specialty positions within the department, and what it means to join the MPD team.
Send questions about the hiring process to JoinMPD@cityofmadison.com, or call (608) 261-9856.
Paige Decent
Ask me about the application and hiring process!
pdecent@cityofmadison.com
Date of Hire: 2018
Education: BS in Criminal Justice with a minor in social justice with an emphasis in prejudice and discrimination
Previous Experience: MPD Intern and East High School Security
Current & Past Assignments: Recruiting Police Officer, Patrol Officer, Mental Health Liaison, Field Training Officer, Background Investigator, PCS Instructor, Vehicle Contacts Instructor and EVOC Instructor, Mentor Program Chair
Gracia G. Rodriguez
Ask me about Amigos en Azul!
grodriguez@cityofmadison.com
Date of Hire: 2016
Education: B.S. in Forensic Science – Loyola University- Chicago
Previous Experience: Crime Scene Investigator in Greensboro, NC, Volunteer Teacher in Mérida, Yucatan, México
Current & Past Assignments: Detective, Allied Drive Neighborhood Police Officer, Community Outreach and Resource Education Officer, Patrol Officer, Amigos en Azul Chair, Back-up Public Information Officer, Background Investigator, Investigative Support Officer
Chanda M. Dolsen
Ask me about Academy Life!
cdolsen@cityofmadison.com
Date of Hire: 2006
Education: BA in General Studies with a minor in Criminal Justice and Sociology – Ball State University Muncie, IN
Previous Experience: Indiana State Trooper 98’-06’
Current & Past Assignments: Sergeant, Full Time Training Officer, Community Policing Team Member – Central & East, State Street Neighborhood Officer, Patrol Officer, Peer Support Officer
Justin Nelsen
Ask me about being a Military Veteran!
jnelsen@cityofmadison.com
Date of Hire: 2014
Education: B.S. in Kinesiology from UW-Oshkosh and MA in Theology – Social Change from Iliff School of Theology
Previous Experience: Restorative Justice Counselor, boxing/strength and conditioning coach, OIF Combat veteran (US Army)
Current & Past Assignments: Gang and Neighborhood Crime Abatement Team Sergeant, Patrol Sergeant, Theresa Terrace / Hammersley Road Neighborhood Officer, SWAT Operator, Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor, Patrol Officer, SET member
Theresa Magyera
Ask me about Promotional Opportunities!
tmagyera@cityofmadison.com
Date of Hire: 2012
Education: B.S. in Sociology – Iowa State University; Master of Science in Criminology – University of Texas at Arlington
Previous Experience: Police Officer in Arlington, Texas, juvenile social worker
Current & Past Assignments: Academy Sergeant, Patrol Sergeant, Neighborhood Resource Officer, Patrol Officer, Background Investigator, Police Instructor
Timothy Smith
Ask me about our Tuition Reimbursement Program!
tsmith@cityofmadison.com
Date of Hire: 2008
Education: B.A. in International Relations- University of Wisconsin-Madison; Master of Science in Criminal Justice- University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Previous Experience: Police Officer in Fitchburg, WI; Brewer (beer, not baseball); 9 years in the Army Reserve and Wisconsin National Guard
Current & Past Assignments: Investigator in the Forensic Services Unit, Community Policing Team, Patrol Officer
Anthony Vogel
Ask me about making Madison my home!
avogel@cityofmadison.com
Date of Hire: 2018
Education: Michigan State University Bachelor of Arts-Criminal Justice
Previous Experience: MSUPD Special Events Team, Customer Service Representative for Equature
Current & Past Assignments: Patrol Officer, Special Events Team Member, Field Training Officer, Public Information Officer, Field Extrication Team
Kellen Dzick
Ask me about working for another agency prior to Madison PD!
kdzick@cityofmadison.com
Date of Hire: 2008
Education: BA in Psychology – University of Colorado – Boulder
Previous Experience: Police Officer in the State of Colorado
Current & Past Assignments: Detective, Neighborhood Resource Officer, Patrol Officer, SET Team Member, Mental Health Liaison Officer
Harrison D. Zanders II
Ask me about our Community Policing Teams!
hzanders@cityofmadison.com
Date of Hire: 2008
Education: BA LAS Sociology - Iowa State University, Criminal Justice - Chicago State University
Previous Experience: Residential Supervisor (Non-Profit Facility for Juveniles)
Current & Past Assignments: Captain, Lieutenant Officer In Charge, Community Policing Team Sergeant, Patrol Sergeant, Gang Unit Officer, Patrol Officer
Jordan Strachota
Ask me about the Field Training Program!
jstrachota@cityofmadison.com
Date of Hire: 2013
Education: BS in Sociology with Law Enforcement Emphasis
Previous Experience: St. Paul Intern, MN Police SKILLS program- Alexandria Technical College, fitness instructor and restaurant industry
Current & Past Assignments: Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Background Investigator, DAAT Instructor, Adjunct Academy Instructor, PCS, Tactics and Scenario Instructor