MRSCP has not endorsed this content and may not agree with all the views and opinions expressed. The letter below has been condensed. The next Madison Common Council meeting will be on Tuesday, July 7th.
Letter from Amelia Royko Maurer, June 30, 2026
There are still amendments in Legistar file 92386 that threaten the independence of the Office of the Independent Police Monitor (OIM) and Police Civilian Oversight Board (PCOB).
Please email alders Yannette Figueroa Cole, Council President Sabrina Madison, Derek Field and Will Ochowicz and ask them to discontinue their amendments in Legistar file 92386 that threaten the independence of the Office of the Independent Monitor and the Police Civilian Oversight Board.
1.) One amendment would end OIPM’s right of access to MPD databases and restrict access to MPD records. This is inconsistent with the national standard.
2.) The second amendment would restrict OIM/PCOB’s right to use an independent attorney, requiring use of the City Attorney despite a structural conflict of interest. It would also require OIM/PCOB to comply with all city administration policies (APMS), even when those APMS undermine its function and independence.
3.) The third amendment would place an elected official on the PCOB, eliminating PCOB independence.
- Yannette Figueroa Cole district10@cityofmadison.com
- Council President Sabrina Madison district17@cityofmadison.com
- Will Ochowicz district2@cityofmadison.com
- Derek Field district3@cityofmadison.com
Alders who wish to address what they feel are problems within the OIM or PCOB or who wish to help strengthen the office have these options available to them:
1.) Ask the OIM and PCOB members questions and for solutions.
2.) Consult with the primary author of the ordinance, Rebecca Kemble, who is uncompromisingly, unquestionably pro-independent oversight and highly educated on the subject.
3.) Consult with the National Police Accountability Project, a nonprofit that has extensive experience with civilian police oversight mechanisms.
4.) Invite Florance Finkle to a meeting. She is in OIR group (the group that reviewed MPDs policies, procedures and culture) and the President of the National Association of the Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement.
These individuals and entities are experts or well educated on the subject matter, they are readily available and safe sources as they fully support independent, community-based police oversight.
We are once again urging these alders to let the OIM and PCOB do their important work. Please join us.
Thank you,
Amelia Royko Maurer
More
- MOSES in Action around Police Oversight, Jun 23, 2026
- Madison police watchdog rules in-custody death a homicide, Danielle DuClos, Jun 15, 2026
- Madison Police oversight office calls out City for obstructing its independence, Abigail Wandersee, The Badger Herald, May 7, 2026