In what will be his last State of Public Safety address in Madison, Police Chief Shon Barnes focused on his efforts to reduce crime and increase community partnerships over the last four years. The report detailed by Barnes showed an 8% reduction in violent crime and a 12% decrease in property crimes in 2024.

MADISON (WKOW) — Assistant Police Chief John Patterson is being named interim chief of the Madison Police Department. Patterson will temporarily serve as the city's next top cop. He will replace current Chief Shon Barnes until the Police and Fire Commission makes a permanent appointment to the Chief of Police position.

Barnes has recommended Assistant Chief John Patterson to succeed him as the city searches for a permanent replacement, Mike Quieto, a member of the city’s administrative support team, told the Wisconsin State Journal in an email Monday.

The Champaign Police Department is promoting one of its Lieutenants to replace a recently retired Deputy Chief.