Council adopts amendment to Police Civilian Oversight Board appointment process, PCOB had recommended change

The Common Council on Sept. 2 adopted an amendment to Madison General Ordinances section 5.2 that alters the appointment process for the Police Civilian Oversight Board (PCOB). The version before council matched the text unanimously recommended by the PCOB and substituted the Office of the Independent Monitor, in conjunction with the PCOB, as the entity that collects nominations rather than assigning that role to the mayor.

Why it matters: The amendment is aimed at preserving PCOB independence and making the nomination process more transparent and consistent with how the oversight office and board currently operate. Supporters argued the change clarifies roles and reduces the potential for perceived conflicts or politicization of appointments.

Public comment and context: Multiple registrants spoke in favor of the PCOB‑recommended version. Amelia Royko Maurer and other advocates urged the council to adopt the PCOB’s proposal, arguing that it prioritizes smaller community organizations and grassroots voices. Opponents in the public record argued the earlier draft of a different alder’s amendment was drafted without PCOB input and risked concentrating influence with larger organizations or political actors.

Council action and vote: The council voted to adopt the PCOB‑approved language. Two members recorded abstentions (Harrington McKinney and Pritchett); the balance voted aye.

Ending: The ordinance amendment now directs nomination collection through the Office of the Independent Monitor in collaboration with the PCOB and reaffirms the board’s preferred process for appointments, an outcome PCOB members told council they had unanimously supported.