Madison residents have an opportunity to help shape the future of local law enforcement oversight this week as the city’s Police Civilian Oversight Board hosts a public listening session to gather community expectations for its next permanent Independent Police Monitor.
Shaping the Next Independent Police Monitor in Madison
The listening session is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Freedom, Inc. office located at 2110 Luann Lane. The City of Madison Police Civilian Oversight Board invites community members to share their thoughts, concerns, and priorities regarding who should lead the office.
Board Chair Devon Snyder said the public must help find the right candidate to lead independent civilian oversight of the Madison Police Department. “The next Independent Police Monitor must be someone who understands the community, takes people’s concerns seriously, and has the experience and independence needed to do this work,” Snyder said. “We need to hear directly from the people this office is meant to serve.”
Police Shooting and Conflict Lead to Leadership Search
The search for a permanent leader follows a turbulent period for the oversight office. The position became a focal point over the summer following a deadly police shooting. Aeiramique Glass had been serving as the interim police monitor when the shooting of Corey Ruiz occurred.
During the subsequent investigation, Glass sought police records related to the shooting. The city attorney stated that Glass could not access those records until the state investigation concluded. In the days following the shooting, Glass was involved in a physical confrontation with Madison police officers. Following that altercation, a recording captured Glass stating she would “burn this city down.”
Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway later described that comment as “disturbing,” while Glass defended it as figurative rather than a literal call for violence. Glass was subsequently terminated from her role as interim monitor. Supporters of Glass have indicated plans to file a lawsuit over her removal.
Next Steps in the Hiring Process
The Office for the Independent Monitor was originally created in 2020 to review complaints against officers, conduct investigations, and recommend policy changes for the Madison Police Department. To ensure a thorough and transparent recruitment cycle for the permanent role, the oversight board plans to work with an executive search firm that possesses specific expertise in civilian oversight.
Board members maintain that community input gathered during Thursday’s session will directly inform the hiring manager and assist in identifying a candidate prepared to address the needs of Madison residents. Community members unable to attend can reach out to the board directly through its media contact at [email protected].
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