In what will be his last State of Public Safety address in Madison, Police Chief Shon Barnes focused on his efforts to reduce crime and increase community partnerships over the last four years. The report detailed by Barnes showed an 8% reduction in violent crime and a 12% decrease in property crimes in 2024.

Assistant Police Chief John Patterson is being named interim chief of the Madison Police Department. Patterson will temporarily serve as the city's next top cop. He will replace current Chief Shon Barnes until the Police and Fire Commission makes a permanent appointment to the Chief of Police position.

The Madison Police and Fire Commision voted on Monday night to have Patterson as the new interim police chief. Current Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes recommended Patterson to serve for the position until a permanent replacement is chosen.