Madison Mayor Paul Soglin says he has confidence in the Madison Police Department, but work needs to be done to decrease the use of force and increase the attention given to de-escalation practices.
At a press conference Thursday, Soglin spoke about the outside review that determined Madison police acted reasonably and within department policies with the arrest of an 18-year-old black woman. The arrest sparked protests after footage of it was posted online.
“We will continue to work internally and community-wide to minimize the use of force and focus on de-escalation when appropriate,” Soglin said.
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Madison Police Chief Mike Koval released results of the Dane County Sheriff’s Office review Thursday and wrote a lengthy blog piece about the July 21 incident.
Video of the arrest sparked protests alleging excessive use of force and discrimination by Madison police. In the video, police officers struggle with Laird and punch her as they take her to the ground and handcuff her.
Police previously said Laird spit on them and clawed them while resisting the arrest. She also allegedly threatened mall security.
While Soglin said he supports the department’s officers and leadership, he said the actions of officers punching and kneeing Laird were not acceptable.
“First, I want to apologize to all involved and to the residents of Madison,” Soglin said. “Just because something is legal that does not make it right.”
Police arrested Genele Laird outside of the East Towne Mall after they claim she displayed a knife while confronting someone she thought had stolen her cellphone.
Soglin reviewed the reports and agreed officers acted within use of force guidelines, but said he and Koval believe the report is not the only way to analyze the department’s performance.
“I welcome the contributions of those who provide unreserved support for the department, as well as those critics who are focused on improvement, to continue the discussion — a discussion that is essential and needs to continue regardless of a study,” the statement reads.
Koval said his department is committed to doing better.
In June, Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne said Laird would go through a restorative justice program instead of facing criminal charges.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include information from Madison Mayor Paul Soglin.
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