EPISODE 25
Bridging the Gap: Community Policing’s Role in Recovery and Crime Reduction (Part 1)
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.
Recent Episodes
An Innovative Approach to Community Connection Through the ‘Health To Go’ Vending Machines
Bridging the Gap: Community Policing’s Role in Recovery and Crime Reduction (Part 2)
Bridging the Gap: Community Policing’s Role in Recovery and Crime Reduction (Part 1)
Episode Details
Host
Michael Donovan
Guest(s)
Aleksandra Zgierska, Captain Diana Nachtigal, Captain Joe Balles
Topic Area(s)
Community-Specific, Data Systems and EBP, Health, Substance Use and Misuse
Duration
25min 17sec
Date
09/15/2025
Share
EPISODE 25
Bridging the Gap: Community Policing’s Role in Recovery and Crime Reduction (Part 1)
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.
Episode Details
Host
Michael Donovan
Guest(s)
Aleksandra Zgierska, Captain Diana Nachtigal, Captain Joe Balles
Topic Area(s)
Community-Specific, Data Systems and EBP, Health, Substance Use and Misuse
Duration
25min 17sec
Date
09/15/2025
Share
Recent Episodes
An Innovative Approach to Community Connection Through the ‘Health To Go’ Vending Machines
Bridging the Gap: Community Policing’s Role in Recovery and Crime Reduction (Part 2)