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Madison council weighs ending interim police monitor’s appointment amid oversight dispute
The City Council is scheduled to consider terminating Aeiramique “Meeka” Glass as Madison’s interim independent police monitor at its Tuesday meeting. Supporters cite her performance and call for legal support, while critics point to alleged policy violations and concerns about her work.
Madison alderpersons are set to decide Tuesday whether to end Aeiramique “Meeka” Glass’ appointment as the city’s interim independent police monitor, a role that includes investigating complaints about police and helping select a permanent monitor.
The City Council meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. The resolution to terminate Glass was introduced Oct. 6 by Ald. Will Ochowicz. As of Monday, sponsors included Alds. Sabrina Madison, Yannette Figueroa Cole, Tag Evers, Regina Vidaver, Derek Field, Badri Lankella and Joann Pritchett.
Some council members and city officials say Glass violated workplace rules and administrative policies, including by entering into contracts with an outside investigator and an attorney without authorization. Vidaver has argued that retaining Glass “undermines the potential for effective civilian oversight” in Madison.
The dispute intensified after Madison police Officer Kiel Baitinger-Peterson shot and killed Corey Ruiz in July. Glass was involved in an encounter with an officer while seeking his badge number. The officer accused her of harassment and sought a restraining order.
Glass was appointed on an interim basis last fall by the Police Civilian Oversight Board, which oversees the Office of the Independent Monitor. The board said Monday that Glass had “performed at a high level across every category” of its job evaluation.
Alds. Carmella Glenn and Julia Matthews are advancing a competing proposal to set aside $40,000 from the city’s contingent reserves so the monitor can hire her own attorney. More than 200 people have signed or circulated a petition opposing Glass’ removal.
The office’s data analyst, Greg Gelembiuk, said last week that he began a water-only fast Oct. 13 to protest what he described as “grave injustice” in the actions against Glass.