A recent downtown shooting that left three injured in the early hours of May 19 prompted “shocked” and “outraged” city officials to increase funding for a city-wide safety program in hopes of further improving safety throughout Madison.
The city of Madison is doubling funding from $50,000 to $100,000 for the program, called the Madison Safety Initiative, which will increase police presence on weekends, according to Mayor Paul Soglin.
“I have no question that we’re going to be successful,” Soglin said.
The additional funding will also be used for street lighting and surveillance cameras, according to Ald. Scott Resnick, District 8.
Despite the recent shooting, city officials say Madison continues to be a safe community for students and city residents.
“It’s important students and their families appreciate and [know] that Madison is a very safe community overall,” Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said. “Compared to other medium-sized cities in America, we have a very low crime rate and hopefully always will.”
Resnick said college campuses, including UW-Madison, see more alcohol-related disturbances and thefts but fewer weapons violations.
While the city is doing its part to increase safety, Madison Police Department spokesperson Joel DeSpain said students need to be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to avoid being victimized.
According to DeSpain, students living in dorms, apartments and rental units around campus “need to be extra zealous in locking up.”
DeSpain said students tend to forget common sense safety precautions like having a plan when going out and never walking alone at night.
In addition, University Health Services Executive Director Dr. Sarah Van Orman said incoming students need to be aware of the effects of alcohol and how drinking can compromise their personal safety, especially in regard to sexual assault.
While the additional funding for the Madison Safety Initiative is set to be approved by city officials at upcoming meetings, more officers have already been on patrol since the shooting, according to Verveer.
