Madison Reporter

MADISON, Wis. – A Madison Police Department program that diverts individuals who use drugs from the criminal justice system to treatment has received a grant to continue its outreach efforts.

The Madison Area Recovery Initiative (MARI) was honored by Target and the U.S. Conference of Mayors with their Police Reform and Equitable Justice Grant.

The $100,000 grant is intended to recognize, strengthen, and sustain policies and practices that police departments across the country employ in pursuit of equitable treatment of people they serve and protect. The grants are awarded to one large city, one mid-size city, and one small city. Madison was the mid-size recipient.

“Together we are proud to elevate these innovative practices that enhance accountability, improve safety and strengthen the bonds between law enforcement and the communities they serve,” said Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

The MARI program offers substance treatment as an alternative to arrest. Participants must undergo a clinical assessment and complete six months of individualized treatment and recovery coaching. Upon successful completion, criminal charges are “voided.”

MPD has partnered with various organizations including Dane County Human Services, Tellurian Behavioral Health, Safe Communities of Madison-Dane County, the University of Wisconsin, and Penn State University to enhance this proactive approach.

“We know we cannot arrest our way out of the opioid epidemic. Recovery is a lifelong journey, and offering this option is a step toward growth and healing,” said Lt. Lori Chalecki, who oversees the MARI program.

Since 2021, MPD officers have referred nearly 100 people to this program. Approximately 68 percent have successfully completed six months of treatment and peer support from partners at Safe Communities.

The Madison Police Department acknowledges it cannot undertake this work without assistance from Public Health Madison & Dane County, Dane County Department of Human Services, Safe Communities, the Madison Fire Department, Tellurian Behavioral Health, and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.

MPD recognizes stigmatizing language can impact those served; thus Madison Area Addiction Recovery Initiative will henceforth be called Madison Area Recovery Initiative.