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
UW Homecoming 101, Plus Tailgate Like a Badger
The UW Badgers face off against Michigan State in the 2026 homecoming game on Saturday, Oct. 3. City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin and...
How Much Do You Need To Make To Live in Madison?
How much money do you make? Is it enough for you to thrive in Madison? Cap Times reporter Ashley Rodriguez asked Madisonians to be transp...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One Oregon City is Lowering Energy Costs — Presented By City Cast Madison
What’s a seemingly small project in Madison that’s made a big difference? In the Oregon suburb of Tualatin, a drinking water pipe has jus...
Madison Police Updates, Power Line Pushback, and New Library Opens
This week, Madison Police Chief John Patterson gave his quarterly report to the Madison Common Council and announced a new quality assura...
A Pakistani-Midwest Cookbook and a Phone Booth Memorial on Madison’s East Side
The restaurateur behind Sultan restaurant on Williamson Street has a new cookbook out. City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin talks with Su...
An Insider’s Guide to the First Cap Times Photojournalism Summit
This week, the Cap Times is hosting its first Photojournalism Summit as part of its 10th annual Idea Fest. City Cast Host Bianca Martin i...
Where Are the Badger Fans? Who Is Daisy Davenport? And What Referendums Are on the Ballot?
With six weeks left until the November 3rd election, it’s time to get in the know about the constitutional amendments you will be asked t...
Why Turkeys Love Living in Madison
We might be months away from Thanksgiving, but Madison’s turkeys are gobbling all around town. They’re snacking on fallen acorns and unsu...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Philly Is Reducing Violence With Parks — Presented By City Cast Madison
Would Madison be better with fewer vacant, blighted lots? In Philly, the answer is overwhelmingly yes, with significant drops in crime an...
Social Justice Center v. City, Juror Pay and Madison Restaurant News
Attorneys for the City of Madison are threatening to have the Social Justice Center declared a public nuisance in court. They say police...