Madison City Council President Sabrina Madison issued a statement on Monday noting that in the interest of moving toward a more collaborative path forward, some proposed amendments to the Office of the Independent Monitor and the Police Civilian Oversight Board ordinances will no longer be pursued.
Madison shared in a statement that Police Civilian Oversight Board Chair Maia Pearson had expressed that the Police Civilian Oversight “Board would like the current amendment process to come to an end so we can move toward a more restorative and collaborative path forward.”
“At a moment when our community is grieving and looking to its leaders to strengthen trust in our systems of accountability, I believe it is important that we create space for collaboration rather than continue a process that many believe has become increasingly divisive,” Madison said in a statement.
The statement comes five days after the fatal shooting of Corey Ruiz by the Madison Police Department, which has sparked demonstrations in Madison’s Marquette Neighborhood and demands that the officer involved be charged with murder.
In her statement, Madison said she was interested in guidance from the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement, including working with a skilled mediator to help the city engage in a restorative justice process.
“The work of oversight is challenging, especially during times of grief, heightened emotion, and public scrutiny,” Madison said in the statement. “At a time when our community is looking for accountability, transparency, and healing, I believe we all share a responsibility to work together in ways that strengthen our oversight system and reinforce public confidence in the process.
“That work is best accomplished through collaboration, open communication, and a willingness to come to the table in good faith,” Madison said.
Madison said the City Council chief of staff will reach out to the restorative justice facilitators recommended by NACOLE to arrange an initial consultation.
“Our hope is that this conversation will begin a meaningful process of rebuilding trust, improving communication and collaboration, and creating a stronger foundation for the important work of police oversight,” Madison said.
