WPPA condemns DA for mishandling of Memorial vandalism
(Madison, WI) — The Wisconsin Professional Police Association (WPPA) strongly condemns the decision of the Dane County District Attorney’s Office to refer the June 14 vandalism of the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial to the Community Restorative Court, a diversion program wholly inappropriate for the severity and symbolism of this offense.
The Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial honors the 294 officers that have died in the line of duty. The sacred site was desecrated during the “No Kings” protest with hateful graffiti calling for violence against law enforcement. Just as in prior incidents of vandalism in 2017, 2020, and 2023, the suspects were offered deferred prosecution or similar programs instead of facing meaningful penalties.
“This was not a simple property crime — it was an intentional act designed to inflame hostility and inflict emotional pain on the families of officers that have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities. Referring this case to a diversion program diminishes the seriousness of the crime and undermines the rights of victims guaranteed under the Wisconsin Constitution,” said WPPA Executive Director Jim Palmer. “This decision sends a dangerous message that repeated acts of vandalism against this memorial will continue to be met with little to no real accountability.”
Palmer emphasized that while the District Attorney’s Office had previously recognized the Memorial as a victim in past vandalism cases, it failed to do so in this instance. That inconsistent approach, he said, raises serious concerns about transparency, victim rights, and the equitable enforcement of justice.
The WPPA joins the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial, survivors, and community members in urging lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 394 and Assembly Bill 401, legislation that will strengthen criminal penalties for vandalism against memorials and commemorative properties. Such reforms are necessary to ensure that these repeated attacks are met with consequences that reflect the gravity of the offense.
“Law enforcement officers dedicate their lives to the protection of others. Those who desecrate the memory of our fallen heroes must be held fully accountable,” Palmer added. “We call on lawmakers, public officials, and all who value respect for law enforcement service to support these bills.”