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March 20, 2026

Activists Snatch Beagles, City Removes Effigy Mound Plaque, and AI Use Raises Questions in Police Monitor Report

City Cast Madison

Activists Snatch Beagles, City Removes Effigy Mound Plaque, and AI Use Raises Questions in Police Monitor Report

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This week, Madison’s Office of the Independent Police Monitor released a new annual report detailing staffing issues in its office and calling for officers to wear body cameras. However, after some scrutiny about AI use, the report was taken down for further review. Host Bianca Martin talks with executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas about the story. They also talk about the 27 animal activists who were arrested after breaking into Ridglan Farms and the removal of a marker on an Indigenous burial mound.

Mentioned on the show:

Effigy Mounds in Madison [City Cast Madison]

Actress Alexandra Paul among animal rights activists arrested [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]

Our interview with police chief John Patterson [🎧City Cast Madison]

An Exit Interview with Madison’s Outgoing Police Chief [ 🎧City Cast Madison]

Madison’s Independent Police Monitor Does What Exactly? [ 🎧City Cast Madison]

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