Message from the Wisconsin Dells Chief of Police
Citizens and Visitors of Wisconsin Dells,
Thoughts and prayers with the Dallas Police Officers and families that have been victims of the gutless cowardly massacre last night. I am re-posting a message I sent last August that is still very appropriate.
"As Chief of Police I have made it my goal not make personal public comments. After watching the news this past weekend I feel the need to make a statement and solidify my commitment to you.
I started my career in law enforcement 26 years ago. I completed 320 hours of police academy and was hired by the Wisconsin Dells Police Department (WDPD). In 1989 policing was different. My first day on the job I was handed the squad keys and off I went on patrol. WDPD did not have a field training program and the policies, procedures and directives were minimal. Tasers and pepper spray didn’t exist.
Today our police department is different. Our police officers have been through a 520 hour police academy (soon to be 720), 12 weeks of field training, specialized training and are efficient with firearms and 3 different less lethal force options prior to patrolling alone.
Officers state-wide are much better trained now. We currently train on critical thinking, policing strategies, ethics and professional communications to name a few. We are always striving to adopt new policies, procedures and directives with the goal to provide a professional, fair and transparent framework of operation.
Recently numerous police officers have been killed in the line of duty. Anti-police rhetoric is at an all-time high and I am extremely concerned about officer safety. I want you to know that every officer’s commitment to the citizens and guests of Wisconsin Dells has not wavered.
We will treat everyone fairly and respectfully. We will work hard 24 hours a day 365 days a year including weekends, holidays, birthdays etc. We will make split second life changing decisions without worrying about lawsuits. We will give rides to people on cold days. We will pull dogs out of cars on hot days. We will give children sticker badges. We will make death notifications to friends. We will leave our half eaten meal to respond to emergencies. We will maintain our composure when camera phones are in our face. We will provide security for anti-police rallies. We will attempt to minimize force in all situations. We will verbalize and be clear in directions while knowing our life may be in danger. We will meet force with force and escalate when necessary. We will be brave when we are scared. We will find shelter for the homeless and gas for the stranded. We will call people “sir” and “miss” while being called “pig”. We will provide counseling and mental health care. We will provide CPR and medical attention. We will give stuffed toys to child victims. We will see the worst of the worst. We will come when we are called and will always “have your back”.
We know what we signed up for. We are here for you."
Jody J. Ward, Chief of Police
Address/Location
Wisconsin Dells Police Department
712 Oak St
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 608-253-1611
TEXT-A-TIP - Text TIP WDPD followed by your message, to 888777