On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Madison’s Southside witnessed the swearing-in of the city’s police chief, John Patterson. Patterson has served 27 years in the Madison Police Department and has served in every district in the city. Patterson specifically asked to be sworn in at the Urban League of Greater Madison’s Black Business Hub as a statement of his commitment to the South Side and the good work happening there. In addition to giving a nod to the Urban League of Greater Madison and its Black Business Hub, Chief Patterson recognized the impact of Centro Hispano, the soon to open Center for Black Excellence, the Boys and Girls Club, and Mt. Zion Baptist Church, all South Side institutions.
Chief Patterson asked that his swearing-in be presided by Yvette Craig, the Department’s Public Information Officer as well as requesting the actual swearing-in be conducted by Judge Nia Trammell. Attendance at the event included many of the area’s dignitaries, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Dane County District Attorney, Ismael Ozanne, Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett, and well-known law enforcement professional Charles Tubbs. Of course, there were also many law enforcement officers from the Madison Police Department, the FBI, and state police. Four of Madison’s 6 police districts are led by Black captains and Chief Patterson is extremely proud of the diversity of his leadership team. Mayor Rhodes-Conway spoke briefly indicating that the city’s structure does not allow her to select the Police Chief—that is done by the Police and Fire Commission. However, she stated that Chief Patterson was indeed her first choice.
Chief Patterson is committed to the three pillars of the department: the people, the culture, and their service to the community. Patterson emphasized his debt to the mentorship of former chiefs David Couper, Noble Wray, and Shon Barnes while thanking his family who attended the swearing-in in large numbers. He acknowledged his extended family (parents, siblings, etc.) and of course his wife and children. One of the more poignant moments of the swearing-in was Chief Patterson’s recognition of his son who suffers from a disability. Patterson stated, “Although he (his son) has never been able to utter a word, he has been more of an inspiration than he could ever know.”
The swearing-in ceremony was also an opportunity to showcase the Black Business Hub as an important institution in our community. The beautiful atrium was festive and filled with sweet treats from Tailer Nicole Cupcakes and wine as well as Rasta Barista Blue Mountain Coffee drinks. Shortly after the swearing-in attendees took the opportunity to patronize some of the other food offerings—House of Flavas, DeVine Grilling, and the Walking Jerk, a vegan eatery.
At a time when relationships between communities of color and various law enforcement agencies are strained, the Madison community breathes a sigh of relief to have a police chief who recognizes the importance of community policing and capitalizing on the community’s strength. We wish Police Chief John Patterson all the best as he takes on this pivotal role in our community and look forward to being full partners with the Madison Police Department where we trust that they will protect and serve!
