Madison’s Independent Police Monitor Does What Exactly?
It’s been eight years since the death of local teen Tony Robinson sparked a wave of protests in Madison. There have been several high-profile - and fatal - police shootings of unarmed Madison residents since then. Citizens demanded change. Grieving family members brought federal civil rights lawsuits. The city hired a consultant to review the entire police department. A state law was changed to require outside investigations of police shootings.
The latest move? Creating an independent city agency that can investigate complaints against the Madison Police Department.
We speak to the city’s first independent police monitor, Robin Copley.
Editor's note: At the time of this interview, Copley went by a different name and is referred to as such in the episode.
Also on the show:
🫶🏽 The Best of Madison contests are ON. We’re in the running for Best Local Podcast. Vote for us here. We’re under Arts and Entertainment.
🗣️ We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners, so we can make City Cast Madison an even better, more useful podcast for you. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card.
Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram!
Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.
Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Latest Episodes
City Anticipates Budget Cuts, Madison’s Election Trust Crisis, and Free Meals for Local Kids
This week, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway told city agencies to be prepared to cut 2% from their budgets amid inflation and higher fue...
Spicy Takes From Madison’s Chef of the Year. Plus, WTF Is Cookie Salad?!?
Chef Patrick O’Halloran has been cooking for Madison for decades, and his latest business, The Deliciouser, blends spices, classes, and g...
Hot Takes on Madison’s Queer Scene
It’s Pride Month! Gov. Tony Evers was the first Wisconsin governor to raise the pride flag over the State Capitol, and he did so again fo...
Honoring Michael Johnson, Public Art Woes, and Pop-Ups at Madison Public Market
We start today’s show remembering and mourning community leader Michael Johnson. Host Bianca Martin reflects with executive producer Hayl...
Police Monitor Answers Her Critics
Madison’s Police Civilian Oversight Board and Office of the Independent Police Monitor are once again under scrutiny as the city consider...
'Your City Could Be Better': How Las Vegas Saves More Water Than Any Other City — Presented By City Cast Madison
Madison recycles some of its water, but not as much as Las Vegas, where the water there stays in the city. How else could a desert city p...
SCOWIS Takes on Congressional Maps, Gov. Race Updates, and Good News For Passenger RailJun 05, 2026
Wisconsin’s voting maps are in the news again and headed to the state Supreme Court. What’s next for political representation in our stat...
What To Pack for Your American Players Theatre Picnic
The 2026 season at American Players Theatre starts this weekend! The Tony Award-winning theater company in Spring Green will have shows t...
Experience One of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Most Influential Buildings
Did you know Madison is home to the world-famous, Frank Lloyd Wright-designed, First Unitarian meeting house? To mark the building’s 75th...
UW Ditches Ethnic Studies, Ridglan Beagle Update, and Madison’s Got Talent!
UW-Madison is removing its ethnic studies requirement for students enrolling in summer 2026 and beyond. This move aligns the university w...