Madison deploys civilians to shooting scene for first time

A community response team was sent to a shooting scene in Madison for the first time this week.

WKOW-TV reports that Mayor Paul Soglin says the deployment Tuesday came after months of discussions about enhancing the city’s response to gun crimes. Soglin says the team of trained civilians is meant to help get critical information and facility emergency services.

The team responded Tuesday to help a man who’d been wounded in a shooting.

Madison Police Captain Jim Wheeler says the team may have a calming influence and help deescalate tension over police presence at crime scenes.

Soglin says he hopes to adopt a formal arrangement between the team and the city in the next two months, which will include funding for participants and outline the scope of their work.