95 . . .That's the number of Madison police officers (of about 470) currently eligible for retirement. Our cops are already burned out because of poor staffing - imagine if these 95 were to retire. I've played out the various scenarios in my mind if this were to happen . . .and it's not a pretty picture. Also disconcerting, is that neither Mayor Soglin nor the Madison common council has a known plan should this happen. I think it's irresponsible. (In this current hostile anti-cop environment, it makes me wonder why they even stay. I can't speak for these officers, but I suspect that a lot of it has to do with loyalty to Chief Koval.) For the next few weeks - leading up to the final finance meeting in November - I'm going to be presenting data about the policing crisis facing Madison (yes, crisis!) in sound bites. I thought this would make it easier to digest, especially if you don't have time to read long reports. If you do want to read my detailed report, it's here (link within this post) http://www.supportmadisonpolice.com/about-last-night/ And you can watch the (very) abbreviated version of the report I gave at the Finance Committee meeting this past Tuesday here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZd1PK2wkX0 (I'm at the very beginning, along with two other brave souls who spoke out for our beloved MPD). I strongly urge everyone who cares about our elite force to write to Mayor Soglin and your alder - or preferably all alders - urging them to prioritize funding for MPD. All Alders: allalders@cityofmadison.com Mayor Soglin: Mayor@cityofmadison.com * * * The following statement is probably going to elicit an angry response from someone but it needs to be said: * * * Facebook is NOT activism. The most important thing you can do right now is to write the mayor & common council - NOT complain on social media, especially after the budget has been approved. Complaints on Facebook are a penny a dozen, even cheaper than that. Taking the time to make a call, write, show up, and write the newspapers are the things that decision-makers listen to, and that help shepherd change - even in this age of social media. I'm saying all this because at this point, I'm feeling a bit panicked - and I need to get your attention. We desperately need more cops. Think what you want of me, but please just write. That said, If you've written a letter, made a call, or showed up at a council meeting, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I know the Madison PD appreciates your efforts, too! The time to act is now, dear reader - not after the budget is approved. --Paula Fitzsimmons paula@supportmadisonpolice.com