10 convicts are offered last chance in new police program

10 convicts are offered last chance in new police program

"It was an intervention of community proportions — with the added muscle of local, state and federal law enforcement and criminal justice agencies — for 10 of the worst repeat violent offenders in Madison.

And at least some of those who earned the distinction were glad to be part of the first call-in Tuesday for a new Madison Police Department initiative whose message rang out repeatedly from representatives of the FBI to the City Attorney’s Office to community members.

“Your violence will no longer be tolerated in this community,” Madison Police Chief Noble Wray told the 10. “Consider yourself under a microscope.”

Christopher Cole of the FBI said: “We know who you are. We’re watching,” referring to the agency’s surveillance and wiretapping.

But along with the promise of swift arrest and prosecution — in federal court for gun, drug and even tax offenses — and the full force of the law crashing down on them came offers of help in finding a job and housing, getting counseling and earning a GED.

“I’m glad I came,” said Carlton Harris, 30, of Madison, who got out of prison in May after serving six years for possession of firearms. “The resources was what I liked the most.”

Once involved in gangs, Harris said he plans to get married Nov. 25 and hopes to find a better job, further his education and benefit from mentoring.

“I think that it’s a very good thing,” his fiance, Angela Jadoo, said of the program."


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