Madison Reporter

Madison, Wis. – The Madison Police Department has announced the resumption of its use of a third-party service for emergency detention transports to Winnebago Mental Health Facility. The decision comes after a successful pilot program last summer and subsequent approvals and reviews.

MPD Captain Shannon Blackamore explained, "An emergency detention transport is time-consuming. It took two officers out of our community for several hours." The department found several benefits in using a transport service and is pleased that the service was finalized before the upcoming busy summer months.

The department will continue its partnership with REDI Transports, a transportation company based in Green Bay. MPD Chief Shon Barnes emphasized the importance of the program, stating, "If a person is experiencing a mental health crisis, a two-hour-plus drive in police custody could fuel their crisis."

Under the program, Madison officers will stay at a local hospital until a patient is medically cleared for transport. Subsequently, protective custody will be transferred to REDI during the journey and then picked up by Winnebago upon arrival.

The initiative was made possible through a $100,000 allocation in the City budget. Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway highlighted the significance of such programs, noting, "Mental health challenges impact those of all ages, from all walks of life. Programs like this allow us to better serve people in their time of crisis."

The contract between the Madison Police Department and REDI Transports will remain in place until the city's allocated funding is exhausted.