Data-Driven Public Communications

In June 2020, I played a key role in supporting a data-driven analysis of police use-of-force trends featured in The Cap Times. This article examined racial disparities in policing, the statistical breakdown of use-of-force incidents, and how Madison Police Department (MPD) data informs policy and reform discussions.

As a communications professional, I helped ensure the accurate interpretation of complex police data, working with journalists and internal analysts to contextualize statistics, clarify reporting methodology, and communicate key takeaways in a transparent and accessible way.

Data-Driven Contributions & Responsibilities

🔹 Translating Complex Data for Public Understanding

- Analyzed MPD’s use-of-force reports, identifying statistical trends over a four-year period
- Provided context on how data was collected, categorized, and reported
- Highlighted methodological changes that impacted year-over-year comparisons

🔹 Ensuring Transparency in Police Data Communication

- Facilitated press access to MPD’s internal use-of-force reports and accountability data
- Clarified racial disparity trends and how they compared to arrest and service call data
- Collaborated with MPD’s Use of Force Coordinator to align messaging on statistical findings

🔹 Leveraging Data for Community Trust & Policy Discussions

- Worked with city officials and journalists to ensure accurate public reporting
- Emphasized how data informs officer training, bias prevention, and de-escalation strategies
- Addressed public concerns by providing data-backed insights into MPD’s response protocols

💡 Key Takeaways & Impact:

- Strengthened MPD’s approach to data-driven public messaging during a critical time
- Helped ensure that journalists and policymakers had accurate statistical insights
- Positioned MPD’s use-of-force data as a tool for informed policy discussions

📖 Read the full feature article here: https://captimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/though-madison-police-rarely-use-force-racial-disparities-exist-among-those-involved/article_5b3f3b40-dc37-5b8e-aca7-550c7a08512f.html

🔹 Project Type: Data Analysis & Public Communication in Policing
🔹 Role: MPD Spokesperson & Public Information Officer
🔹 Key Focus Areas: Data Interpretation, Media Relations, Public Trust