MADISON, Wis. — Police and city leaders are reviewing security at Madison's only public swimming pool.
This comes after officers had to break up multiple fights at Goodman Pool on Friday evening.
Videos shared to Facebook show large groups of young people outside Goodman Pool, and fights breaking out. At least one teenager was handcuffed.
Officers were called to the pool at 4:30 p.m. Friday. Again, around 7 p.m., multiple fights broke out.
“Officers tried to intervene verbally,†said Officer Anthony Vogel with the Madison Police Department. “Unfortunately, they weren't obeying verbal commands.â€
They ended up having to use a form of pepper spray to break the fights up.
“We don't want to be going to the pool and addressing fights all summer,†Vogel said. “We want the pool to be available for our community to use and also feel safe while utilizing it.â€
Last summer, after a series of fights, Goodman Pool implemented a rule that kids under 16 had to be accompanied by an adult.
This year, the pool added a new waiver system for everyone. They have to confirm their household information and provide a current photo before entering.
“What we do know is that all the issues are resulting from conflicts that are originating outside of the pool and are being settled at the pool,†said Terrence Thompson, the community services manager for Madison's Parks Division.
Thompson said they've hired a youth engagement coordinator to help connect directly with teens at the pool. The goal is to try to de-escalate any conflicts before they turn physical.
“We'll be providing opportunities for them to engage in activities outside of the pool that keeps them engaged,†Thompson said.
Police said the young people detained during the fights on Friday were referred to the youth restorative justice program, which requires offenders to take accountability and repair the harm they caused.
