Community Policing Partnership

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With funding contributions from Mayo Clinic Health System — Franciscan Healthcare and Viterbo University, the La Crosse Police Department has created positions for two dedicated officers who will implement a new community policing program in La Crosse’s Washburn neighborhood.

Officers Nathan Poke and Daniel Ulrich will assume their responsibilities in the Washburn neighborhood on March 1. Together, they bring 11 years of experience with the La Crosse Police Department to their roles as community policing officers.

“The community policing model provides us with an opportunity to enhance safety in the Washburn neighborhood proactively,” says Ron Tischer, chief of police. “Visibility is the key. The officers walk, bike and drive the neighborhood consistently. Community members know their officers. Dedicated officers know their community members and can identify and implement solutions to potential problems as well as current issues.”

The community policing model has proved successful in other communities across the U.S. “The community policing officers will supply strong, positive, visible role models for neighborhood children,” says Mayor Tim Kabat. “We intend the Washburn area program to serve as a prototype for additional neighborhood programs in La Crosse.”

Together, Mayo Clinic Health System — Franciscan Healthcare and its auxiliary and Viterbo University will fund the salary of one community policing officer through 2016. The police department will fund the second officer’s salary through 2016 through a federal grant obtained with assistance from Sen. Tammy Baldwin. The city has pledged to work towards permanently adding these officers to the police department staff. Rick Artman, Ph.D., Viterbo University president, says, “This program will be an important cornerstone in the revitalization of the Washburn neighborhood. It will also strengthen the safety and security of our campuses and those who work and live in the community.”

The medical organization has also provided space for a base of operations for the program at 526 South 10th Street. “This partnership between Franciscan neighbors resulted in first-of-its-kind public-private collaboration for community policing,” says Tim Johnson, M.D., Mayo Clinic Health System — Franciscan Healthcare president. “The city approached us with this opportunity. We’re enthusiastic about the opportunity to improve quality of life in the Washburn neighborhood.”