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Madison Police introduce new central‑district captain and outline tavern safety outreach
Summary
Assistant Chief and newly appointed Central District Captain Kip Hartman introduced themselves to the ALRC and described recent meetings with downtown license holders and plans for tavern safety trainings, emphasizing ID‑checking best practices, use of scanners and black lights, and continued outreach to businesses.
Madison Police introduced Captain Kip Hartman as the new Central District commander and described outreach and training plans aimed at improving safety in the city’s entertainment corridors.
Assistant Chief (name recorded as assistant chief) opened the report by announcing Captain Hartman’s recent appointment and introducing him to the Alcohol License Review Committee. Captain Hartman, a 20‑year department veteran, said he looks forward to working with the committee and neighborhood partners.
Why it matters: The report came amid recent high‑profile downtown incidents and ongoing neighborhood concern about late‑night violence and bar safety. The department described steps intended to balance enforcement with cooperation with license holders, and it encouraged licensees to attend tavern safety trainings scheduled in April.
What police described
• Captain Hartman and Assistant Chief: The new captain introduced himself and asked stakeholders to contact him directly with questions. Captain Hartman said he would coordinate district staffing for downtown safety initiatives, especially during large events.
• Tavern safety outreach: MPD and city attorneys summarized a recent meeting with downtown license holders and safety partners. Topics covered included ID‑checking best practices, the practical limits of ID‑scanner technology, use of ultraviolet lights to detect security features, recordkeeping recommendations, crowd‑management practices for lines and capacity, and de‑escalation techniques for staff.
• Enforcement approach and balance: Police described an approach that includes education and warning contacts with establishments when concerns are identified, followed by follow‑up visits. The department said it is working to restore consistent practices in tavern safety checks and to keep lines of communication open between officers and business owners.
• Invitation to trainings: City attorneys and police invited ALRC members and business staff to attend upcoming tavern safety trainings at Liquid on University Avenue; the sessions are aimed primarily at bar and door staff but are open to owners and interested stakeholders.
Context and community concerns
Alder Revere and other committee members said they remain attentive to downtown safety, particularly after recent violent incidents on State Street. Police told the committee that the spike in weapons incidents seen in recent weeks had not been traced to any single establishment, and that some incidents had mental‑health components rather than direct ties to bar operations. The department said it had accelerated staffing for downtown initiatives in anticipation of the summer event season.
Next steps and resources
The MPD encouraged license holders to use the tactics discussed — ID‑checking books, scanners as an investigative aid, ultraviolet lights and line‑management practices — and said they would continue to hold trainings and meetings with license holders and neighborhood groups. Assistant City Attorney Jennifer Zillavy and MPD staff said they would keep the committee informed about upcoming training dates and about any operational changes in tavern safety checks.
The committee thanked the department for the briefing and invited members to participate in the training sessions.
