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 madison@citycast.fm. 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
WI Governor Race Updates & Assembly District 76 Forum Takeaways
There are still seven candidates vying for the Democratic nomination for the Wisconsin Governor’s race. With the August 11 primary less t...

The Ultimate Madison Ice Cream Showdown
There are so many great local spots in town to get ice cream. From Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream to Babcock Dairy Store, Madison is rich wit...

Police Monitor Blames MPD for Man’s Death, Plus Ridglan Farms To Close
Richard Lee Johnson died on Dec. 31, 2024, after being arrested the previous night. A new report by the Office of the Independent Polic...

Regent Street Redesign, Tourism Boom, and Juneteenth Events in Madison
After months of public input, Regent Street is getting a major redesign which will include wider sidewalks, fewer driving lanes, added pa...

Why Madison Needs The Center for Black Excellence and Culture
The new Center for Black Excellence and Culture has officially opened! City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin sits down with founder Rev. D...

'Your City Could Be Better': Why Every Region Needs A Park Map Tool Like Salt Lake’s — Presented By City Cast Madison
Do you know how many parks Madison has? Residents of Salt Lake County have wondered about their parks for years — that is, until City Cas...

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...


