Friday, July 31, 2026
Pathetic Does Not Begin to Describe John Patterson
Then the Chief of Police, John Patterson, spoke. Chief Patterson unfortunately collapsed in his role as the leader of the police department.
His demeanor was pained and passive. His remarks were peppered with sighs as he slouched and focused down at the podium or the ground. The lack of command presence was simply, sad.
Rather than comment on the difficult day his department had Wednesday, the challenges Ruiz created or provide an update on the condition of his officers, Chief Patterson chose to lament that a “member of the community” had lost his life during an encounter with his officers.
And:
Then, just six minutes into his comments, the chief passively allowed an activist to literally force him away from the podium and take over the press conference for 15 minutes — calling Patterson’s officers “pigs” and demanding their immediate arrest.
It was one of the most feckless responses I’ve seen by a law enforcement leader — one deserving his serious consideration of resignation. The performance has no doubt destroyed any respect Madison police officers had for their chief, and that could cascade into serious problems for the agency and for public safety in Madison going forward.
Via John Hinderaker.
