On Tuesday’s agenda there is a resolution honoring former Chief Mike Koval. That resolution is now going to be “placed on file” – why?First answer. Former Police Chief Mike Koval asked for it to be removed.
Second answer. Honoring him as already been accomplished by putting the resolution forward?
WHAT DOES THE RESOLUTION SAY?
Fiscal Note – No appropriation required.
Title – Expressing sincere appreciation to Madison Police Department Chief Mike Koval for his years of dedicated service and congratulate him on his retirement.
Body
Commending, honoring, and expressing appreciation to Mike Koval, Chief of the Madison Police Department on his retirement from the City of Madison.
WHEREAS, on September 30, 2019 Madison Police Department Chief Mike Koval retired and,
WHEREAS, after graduating from UW-Madison with a degree in journalism, Koval went on to receive a law degree and also served as an FBI agent for two years; and,
WHEREAS, Koval first joined the Madison Police Department as an officer in 1983; and,
WHEREAS, Chief Koval served as a field training supervisor, SWAT hostage negotiator, critical response team supervisor, primary legal instructor, and sergeant; and,
WHEREAS, as the sergeant of recruitment and training for 17 years, Chief Koval focused on diversifying the Madison Police Department in the hiring and training officers that shared the department’s progressive policing philosophy; and
WHEREAS, he also taught the constitutional law portion of the Madison Police Department’s Academy, in which he reinforced the constitutional and statutory limits on police decision-making and emphasized respecting the rights of community members; and,
WHEREAS, he was appointed Madison Police Department Chief in 2014; and,
WHEREAS, during his tenure as chief, he created a number of units and positions, including: an MPD Mental Health Unit, an MPD Community Outreach and Resource Education Unit, an MPD Violent Crimes Unit, an MPD Burglary Crimes Unit, an MPD detective focused on human trafficking, a Use of Force Coordinator, and Neighborhood Resource Officer positions for every MPD district, all with the goal of better serving the Madison community; and,
WHEREAS, during his tenure as chief, he secured funding to open a new MPD district station for the Midtown District, improving the department’s ability to serve the community; and,
WHEREAS, during his tenure as chief, he hired about 45% of the current MPD workforce and made 115 promotions; these decisions have solidified MPD’s reputation as a national leader in hiring and promoting women and people of color; and,
WHEREAS, during his tenure as chief, MPD has been a leader in efforts to reduce reliance on the criminal justice system and implement restorative justice initiatives; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Common Council of the City of Madison express their sincere appreciation to Madison Police Department Chief Mike Koval for his years of dedicated service and congratulate him on his retirement.
Additional Source: 2019 State Assembly Resolution 10
WHY IS IT BEING WITHDRAWN?
From: “Harrington-McKinney, Barbara” <district1@cityofmadison.com>
Date: February 2, 2020 at 9:04:24 AM CST
To: All Alders <allalders@cityofmadison.com>
Subject: Honoring Resolution
ONE WAY COMMUNICATION…DO NOT REPLY ALL
I have placed The Resolution honoring Retired Chief of Police Michael Koval on file at the personal request of Retired Police Chief Koval. It is his belief that the efforts of the entire MPD are what makes the department effective at serving the community. It is for this reason he does not wish to be singled out.
I have been contacted by several Alders with opinions that I reconsider putting this honoring Resolution forward and a process for removing ones name from the Resolution is available. Some contacts I questioned due to the lack of civility extended to me as a fellow elected official. The Resolution honors the distinction of the position of Chief of Police, it is absent from the judgment of one’s personal opinion of how one served within that office. It was important that during my tenure as Alder of District 1 that the City of Madison acknowledged the service of Retired Chief of Police Koval and that there be an official record of his service. That is accomplished.
Best, Barbara
CONFUSED?
It has 17 sponsors – seemed to be to be one of those “hold your nose, shut up and vote” moments out of respect for the many years he worked for the city – agree with him or not.
However, if Koval wants it removed, then they should remove it. Especially if this is his stated reason for wanting it removed “It is his belief that the efforts of the entire MPD are what makes the department effective at serving the community. It is for this reason he does not wish to be singled out.” Then by all means, remove it from the agenda or clearly state that it is being placed on file and that the public is asked not to speak out of respect for the former chief.
This seems to be a mixed messages only to insiders. The item is still on the agenda. It still says to “adopt”. My guess is people still show up to support Koval and speak to this, but it seems like that would dishonor Chief Koval’s wishes. And I’m not sure the word will get out before then given the way the city communicates to residents.
Hopefully its quietly removed from the agenda on Monday and not made into yet another “Koval controversy moment” and the police department can move on.
