Madison Police Chief Noble Wray expressed his gratitude to law enforcement workers working at the Mifflin Street Block Party in a press release Monday, while also commenting on the seriousness of several incidents that occurred during the festivities.
The statement, which included general information on the nature of the day's law enforcement, as well as the particulars of many specific incidents, featured Wray suggesting the annual cost of the celebrated Madison event may outweigh its perceived benefits.
""Chief Wray also feels it is time for the city to take a hard look at this event to determine if this is something for which tens-of-thousands of tax dollars should be spent, particularly in these tight budgeting times,"" the release said.
According to the report, officers said the crowd was larger and more intoxicated Saturday than it had been in past years, though the number of arrests decreased this year.
The MPD made 162 arrests, including 12 people that were taken to jail. Last year's block party featured 206 arrests.
The release elaborated on the event's more severe incidents, including the two reported stabbings. Despite these and other serious incidents, Wray expressed relief that no large-scale rioting occurred.
