ATTORNEY GENERAL VAN HOLLEN MEETS WITH LA CROSSE AREA LAW ENFORCEMENT AT DISTRICT LAW ENFORCEMENT AND JUDICIAL ROUNDTABLE HOSTED BY STATE SENATOR DAN KAPANKE

Madison - Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen and State Senator Dan Kapanke met today with local legislators, law enforcement leaders, and judicial personnel. Law enforcement leaders came from throughout Western Wisconsin to attend the roundtable, including public safety officials from Richland, Crawford, Monroe, Vernon, and La Crosse Counties. The topics of discussion at the roundtable included the role of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) in the judicial system, alternatives to incarceration, funding for the Department of Justice's multi-jurisdictional enforcement groups, and concealed carry permission for retired law enforcement officers.
 

"I am grateful to Senator Kapanke for his efforts to organize this roundtable and his invitation for me to participate," Van Hollen said. "Today we had an opportunity to discuss matters of regional and statewide concern. I was able to listen to local law enforcement and judicial leaders to assess how the Department of Justice can be of further assistance to address the concerns identified here. This was also an opportunity for me to thank local leaders and members of the Legislature for their work on behalf of the Department of Justice's agenda to fight crime and restore integrity."

Senator Kapanke said, "This has been a great privilege, as your Senator, the opportunity to bring together Western Wisconsin law enforcement leaders with Wisconsin's ˜Top Cop,' the Attorney General. It is essential that we have open lines of communication and the ability to discuss these important issues."

Van Hollen praised the Senators efforts and thanked those who attended. "This is a great example of how Wisconsin communities can work together with statewide officials, and I am pleased with the level of collaboration and cooperation we saw here today," Van Hollen said.