Author: Jessica Gregory

Madison Common Council voted in favor of adding an 11 member Civilian Oversight board and an independent police monitor position Wednesday. 

Channel 3000 reports that the meeting lasted 9 hours, starting at 6:30 p.m. and ending at 3:40 a.m. 

The civilian oversight board will elect the independent position. Members of the board will complete police assessments that will be passed on to the respective departments. Both the board and independent position will investigate and provide feedback on use-of-force and officer disciplinary cases.  

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway released a statement on the Common Council’s unanimous decision.

“I hope this long-awaited effort will result in the transparency the community demands, as well as contribute to greater community confidence and trust in our police department.”

Effective Civilian Oversight boards ensure that there is a higher standard of accountability and action so that continuous improvements are made possible.

Read Mayor Rhodes-Conway’s full statement on the decision here.