Darden Named State’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

When he was growing up, Theo Darden had no intention of becoming a police officer. Just seven years ago, he was studying accounting at Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville. On May 21, the 30-year-old UW–Madison police officer was honored as Wisconsin’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by Attorney General James Doyle Jr.

The affable Darden, a Chicago native, was student body president at Blackhawk when then-Rock County Chief Deputy Terry Fell told him he’d make a good police officer and encouraged him to give it a try. He took Fell’s advice and went on to earn an associate degree in law enforcement. In 1993, he joined UW–Madison’s police force, and last June he became the lower campus community officer — the first community officer on a Wisconsin college campus.

“I think it’s wonderful that the state is recognizing a community police officer — any community officer — who is making an effort to problem-solve, and that’s the key to community policing,” says Darden of his award. “It’s great to know that you’re making a positive impact on the lives of the people you serve.”

“Too many times in the past, police have had to react rather than be proactive by soliciting information from the community and trying to help it come up with solutions to problems that exist,” says Darden.

His position, funded through a federal community policing grant, was created after a committee of students, staff, social service providers and civic leaders appointed by Madison Chancellor David Ward identified a community police officer position as its number one recommendation for addressing safety and security concerns in the lower campus area.

“Innovation, compassion and a sense of service are words I would use to describe Theo’s first year as lower campus officer,” says UW–Madison Police Chief Susan Riseling.

“He stops in and talks to everybody, hears about their day-to-day annoyances and concerns, and engages in so many problem-solving activities, including little ones, that have a tremendous impact on improving the quality of life in the area.”

As he took on his new role, Darden discovered that 11 individuals who frequented his beat area had been responsible for 435 calls for police service over a three-year period.

“That’s an incredible amount of calls for that number of people,” says Darden. “In the last six to eight months, those same people have been responsible for perhaps only 10 calls.” By the end of 1996, only one of the 11 remained on the street.

Darden says helping the homeless who have been in the area for a very long time has been one of the most satisfying aspects of his job.

“It was one of the tasks already set in stone for me, and when I got to know them and found out what was going on with them, I was able to work with other agencies to come up with a comprehensive plan for what we should do to help these people. We got some of them jobs, some went into alcohol and drug rehab, and others have housing now. Prior to that, no one had the time to come up with solutions as to why they were down there causing problems.”

He says that’s what community policing is all about.

“It gives the residents a sense of comfort to know the officer on their beat — to know that the face won’t be changing over and over again. The officer can see the ongoing, day-to-day problems and work with the community to come up with answers.”

Riseling says Darden has done what most people who enter policing wish to accomplish:

“He has touched total strangers in constructive, positive ways, improving their lives. He has safeguarded many and prevented crimes from happening. He has served the university and his community with honor and distinction.”

Last month, Darden received an Excellent Service commendation from his department for his earlier work as liaison officer at Witte Hall. His strong commitment to the program and the time and energy he spent on it, both on and off duty, were cited in the nomination. A survey showed that more than 80 percent of the residents at Witte knew Darden, a gregarious guy who relates very well to people.

Perhaps the most visible proof of Theo’s popularity came during his stint in the dunk tank at Witte’s Johnson Street Block Party. His many drenchings netted more than $1,100, which he donated to the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

All in a day’s work for Officer Darden.