Why Madison’s Crisis Response Team Is Working
Madison started the CARES, or Community Alternative Response Emergency Services, program in 2021 after a wave of protests and a series of deaths. Paramedics and crisis workers now respond to non-violent 911 calls in Madison, rather than police officers.
Two years and thousands of calls later, the program seems to be working. But it’s not staffed on nights and weekends and it’s only available within city limits. It could become 24/7 and serve the Madison suburbs under proposals before the Madison City Council and the Dane County Board.
Host Bianca Martin caught up with Madison Assistant Fire Chief Ché Stedman to learn how it all works.
Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.
Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast ads.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Latest Episodes
Madison’s Newest Alt Publication. Plus, Will Body Cams Prevent Police Violence?
The Yahara Flyer is a new single-sheet monthly publication in Madison from the co-founder of the now-defunct news website Tone Madison. S...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: This Basketball Court Is Saving Residents From Floods — Presented By City Cast Madison
When Madison looks for inspiration for the future, does it look to the Netherlands? That’s what designers and officials in New York City...
Proposed Data Center Plan, Alleged Frat Hazing, and Mayoral Race Update
What will happen when the city’s one-year moratorium on new data centers expires in January? City officials released a draft framework th...
New Cafe Coming to Monroe Street and a Week Without Driving in Madison
A new cafe is set to open this month on Monroe Street. Waltzing Matilda’s is the newest venture from the team behind Bloom Bake Shop and...
Your Guide to October 2026 in Madison
Boo! The City Cast Madison team is here with your October guide. Host Bianca Martin, Creative Producer Jade Iseri-Ramos and local comedia...
UW Homecoming 101, Plus Tailgate Like a Badger
The UW Badgers face off against Michigan State in the 2026 homecoming game on Saturday, Oct. 3. City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin and...
How Much Do You Need To Make To Live in Madison?
How much money do you make? Is it enough for you to thrive in Madison? Cap Times reporter Ashley Rodriguez asked Madisonians to be transp...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One Oregon City is Lowering Energy Costs — Presented By City Cast Madison
What’s a seemingly small project in Madison that’s made a big difference? In the Oregon suburb of Tualatin, a drinking water pipe has jus...
Madison Police Updates, Power Line Pushback, and New Library Opens
This week, Madison Police Chief John Patterson gave his quarterly report to the Madison Common Council and announced a new quality assura...
A Pakistani-Midwest Cookbook and a Phone Booth Memorial on Madison’s East Side
The restaurateur behind Sultan restaurant on Williamson Street has a new cookbook out. City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin talks with Su...