Statement of Chief Noble Wray

to the Madison Common Council

This is a text version of Madison Police Chief Noble Wray’s written remarks to the Madison Common Council on Oct. 17, 2006, reconstructed from a photocopy of his statement. At the conclusion of these remarks, the Madison Common Council gave the chief a standing ovation.

I am not going to discuss the details of this very unusual case, as it started over nine years ago and was extraordinarily complex. However, in light of the recent public attention the case has attracted, it’s important for me to comment.

The objective of any police investigation is to find the truth. The department in this case sought to do just that. The unusual manner in which this investigation unfolded led the department to a conclusion that we believed to be correct. This conclusion was also reached by other entities in the criminal justice system, both during the investigation and after. The fact that everyone’s conclusion turned out to be incorrect has weighed heavily on both the department and on those involved directly in the case.

No police investigation – viewed in hindsight – is perfect. This case was not the first time that the criminal justice system has reached an incorrect conclusion, nor is it likely the last. It is my responsibility as Chief to do everything possible to ensure that our investigative process achieves its goal – finding the truth. I have and will continue to do just that.

On behalf of the Madison Police Department, I would like to apologize to “Patty” for the Department’s role in this very unfortunate case. This apology should have taken place years ago; the fact that it did not is not indicative of the department’s current commitment to accountability and responsiveness to the needs of the community, and building trust.

I can also assure the council, and the community, that the Madison Police Department will continue to place a premium on treating all citizens with dignity and respect in our efforts to seek the truth. In closing, it is my hope that we can bring closure and healing to all those that have been involved in this case.