Head of Police Union Responds to GOP Claims that Police Encouraged
Disorderly Conduct During Historic Protests

Rep. Nass owes Wisconsin's public safety officers an apology

MADISON - Jim Palmer, executive director of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, released the following statement today in response to Rep. Nass' outlandish and defamatory claim that Madison-area law enforcement personnel put politics above public safety.

"The brave and courageous men and women of the Madison Police Department and the Dane County Sheriff's Department have a sworn duty to protect and serve the public. To suggest that law enforcement personnel would purposefully engage in maleficence for political purposes is simply one of the most outrageous and inappropriate statements I've ever heard from an elected official.

"The law enforcement efforts to maintain peace and public safety on the Capitol Square while hundreds of thousands of citizens protested Governor Walker's ill-conceived agenda was historically impressive, and attempts to diminish the performance of any officer or agency are shameful. Rep. Nass owes Sheriff Dave Mahoney, Police Chief Noble Wray and the all those who serve in public safety an apology for his ridiculous and unfounded claims.
"Now, more than ever, our leaders need to rise above the din of partisan politics and work together. Law enforcement personnel already face enough challenges in their jobs to keep our communities safe for Wisconsin's families. Politicians who recklessly fire off shots from the hip that question officers' dedication and commitment only serve to undermine their sacrifice."