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, Instructor for the Academy, 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: 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
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: Neighborhood Resource Officer, Patrol Officer, SET Team Member, Mental Health Liaison Officer
Amelia Levett
Ask me about our Field Training Program!
alevett@cityofmadison.com
Date of Hire: 2012
Education: BS in Criminal Justice and Psychology – Michigan State, MS in Criminal Justice – Michigan State
Previous Experience: Domestic Violence Advocate
Current & Past Assignments: Detective, Field Training Officer, Neighborhood Resource Officer, Special Events Team Member, Patrol 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
Deon Johnson
Ask me about being a Detective!
djohnson@cityofmadison.com
Date of Hire: 2007
Education: B.A. in Communication – University of Wisconsin
Previous Experience: Mortgage Loan Officer, Barber, Information Management and Network Engineer, Field Training Officer
Current & Past Assignments: Detective, Internal Admission Committee Member, Community Resource and Outreach Officer, Patrol Officer, Neighborhood Police Officer