Police Monitor Faces Criticism For Lack of Transparency
Madison’s Office of the Independent Monitor is meant to be a check on the Madison Police Department, receiving complaints and feedback, making data-based recommendations, and upholding transparency and accountability. But what happens when the office’s own transparency practices are brought into question?
Back in May, reporters requested records for communications between the monitor’s office and the Madison Police Department. There was no response.. After Isthmus reporter Liam Beran wrote a story about the records on Aug. 28, the office finally released the records. Today, Beran talks to host Bianca Martin about the months-long saga and what comes next for the office.
Mentioned on the show:
An Exit Interview with Madison’s Outgoing Police Chief [ 🎧City Cast Madison]
Madison’s Independent Police Monitor Does What Exactly? [ 🎧City Cast Madison]
Why Madison’s Police Oversight Agencies Are the Most Empowered in the Country [ 🎧City Cast Madison]
2025 Office of the Independent Monitor Annual Report
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.
🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!
Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 9th episode:
- Huel - Save 15% with code MADISON
- Wisco Home Goods
- Cardinal Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric
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...