Episode 25 Part 1: Bridging the Gap: Community Policing's Role in Recovery and Crime Reduction
From The Evidence-to-Impact Podcast by The Social Science Research Institute
September 15, 2025 · 13 min
About this episode
The episode explores the role of community policing in recovery and crime reduction in Madison, Wisconsin.
You know what time it is - new episode! This one takes a deep dive into how community policing supports recovery and crime reduction, specifically within the Madison, Wisconsin area. The host, Michael Donovan, sits down with Dr. Aleksandra Zgierska from Penn State, Captain Joe Balles, and Captain Diana Nachtigal of the Madison Police Department to explore this topic further. The conversation dives into the development of the Madison Area Recovery Initiative (MARI), an innovative police-led diversion program designed to break the cycle of drug-related offenses without relying on the traditional justice system. The episode offers a new perspective into how evidence-based policing and community engagement can transform public health outcomes, and sustain these efforts long term. More information on MARI can be found here: https://www.cityofmadison.com/police/community/mari/
People in this episode
Host: Michael Donovan
Guests: Dr. Aleksandra Zgierska, Captain Joe Balles, Captain Diana Nachtigal
Topics covered
- community policing
- crime reduction
- public health
- drug-related offenses
- evidence-based policing
- community engagement
Keywords
- community policing
- crime reduction
- Madison
- drug offenses
- public health
- evidence-based policing
- MARI
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Madison Police Department, Penn State, Madison Area Recovery Initiative (MARI)
Places: Madison, Wisconsin
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