March 24, 2022
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Ripon-area law enforcement to receive thousands from state - Ripon Commonwealth Press

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A city of Ripon squad car is parked in the snow. Squad car camera operating systems could be among the equipment funded by a new state program.

Law enforcement agencies in the Ripon area are receiving thousands of dollars from the state of Wisconsin through a new program.

They still are determining how those funds will be spent. The money is coming from a new program announced by the governor’s office last week Tuesday.

Gov. Tony Evers said in a press release that nearly $19 million will be split between every local and tribal law enforcement agency in Wisconsin to address local public safety needs.

“Whether it’s training, recruitment bonuses, community policing needs or technology, these funds will help our local and tribal law enforcement agencies address their community’s specific public safety needs,” Evers said last week Tuesday. “At the end of the day, folks, from investing in mental health support and diversion to getting folks a fair and speedy trial, to bolstering re-entry programming, we’re going to follow the science and use evidence-based, data-driven strategies to build a safer, fairer Wisconsin for everyone.”

The determination of each agency’s allocation is based on a formula that takes into account population and violent crime data, with the lowest payments to single agencies being $7,000, the governor’s office noted.

Allocations to area law enforcement agencies include:

  • $21,893.41 to the city of Ripon Police Department;

  • $7,000 to the town of Ripon Police Department;

  • $96,041.12 to the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office;

  • $24,732.65 to the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office;

  • And $7,000 to the city of Green Lake Police Department.

Police departments in Brandon/Fairwater, Rosendale, Berlin, Markesan and Princeton also will receive funds from the program.

While the city of Ripon Police Department is still researching the needs of the department and the restrictions on the state funds, Chief Bill Wallner listed a few items the department is looking at.

“Initially, we are looking to replace squad car camera operating systems that need replacement to update technology in that area,” he said. “Additionally, we would like to continue to expand our community outreach with some more community involvement programs and community relations events.”

The city of Ripon Police Department also recently received a grant from the Webster Foundation, which will assist the formation of a mental health and resilience program that aims to address officer wellness.

School Resource/Community Liaison Officer Lindsey Michels has been “instrumental” in getting the program off the ground, and the Webster grant helps secure mental health resources for officers and staff, Wallner noted.

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School Resource Officer Lindsey Michels, right, smiles after receiving a check from the Webster Foundation for $1,000 to support the Mental Health and Resilience program as Webster’s owner Candie Baker smiles.

“Issues involving mental health continue to be at the forefront of many of the issues officers deal with on a daily basis,” he said. “Often, officers are able to get help for those in the community that need mental health support, but traditionally law enforcement has been reluctant to address the need for these types of programs within our own ranks.

“This anticipated program will help elevate the stigma surrounding asking for help and seeking appropriate support for our staff. Officers do a lot for our community and for our department. We need to make sure we are offering them support when they need it, to deal with the things they have to deal with in this profession.”

Meanwhile, town of Ripon Police Captain Howard Stibb described learning about the funding from the governor as a pleasant surprise.

“I’m just putting ideas together with some things that would be bought or purchased with the money, but — as of right now — nothing definite yet,” Stibb said, noting that, depending on the restrictions, he may look for items that he would usually have to make budget requests for.

Likewise, Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Matt Vande Kolk said his organization, too, is researching its options.

“We haven’t determined how that will be applied yet,” he said. “Sheriff [Mark] Podoll is assessing a variety of possibilities.”



source: https://www.riponpress.com/news/ripon-area-law-enforcement-to-receive-thousands-from-state/article_e021a358-aac3-11ec-bbd2-1fd967a47db0.html

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