Madison, Wis. – In a move to preserve continuity of civilian police oversight, the Madison Police Civilian Oversight Board (PCOB) voted Monday night to name Alder Rebecca Kemble as the interim independent police monitor.
Board’s rationale
PCOB Chair Devon Snyder said the provisional appointment “ensures the board can continue to be operational during this transition” and protects the long‑term independence of Madison’s oversight framework. Snyder emphasized that the board is not seeking new authority, but remains committed to transparency, accountability, and meaningful civilian oversight for residents.
Legal clarification from city attorney
During the meeting, city attorney Michael Haas reminded the board that the interim appointment does not become effective until the Common Council confirms it. Haas explained that the board cannot provisionally appoint an interim monitor without approval from the HR Director, nor a permanent monitor without Common Council approval. He cited a council resolution directing the Common Council Chief of Staff to supervise the Office of the Independent Monitor until a permanent monitor is hired.
Disagreement over authority
Snyder said he received different information from the HR director, stating the board did have authority to provisionally appoint someone, with the HR director providing final sign‑off. He expressed hope that adding Kemble to the Office of the Independent Monitor (OIM) will strengthen the relationship between the oversight office and other city departments.
“Even though we did this, we still want to work collaboratively with the Common Council, HR, the city attorney, but that collaboration should not require silence, compliance or acceptance of limitations on our actual authority,” Snyder added.
Background on recent changes
The appointment follows the Madison Common Council’s decision on Oct. 21 to terminate former interim Independent Police Monitor Aeiramique Glass. Since that firing, Common Council Chief of Staff Karen Kapusta‑Pofahl has been supervising the OIM on a temporary basis while a permanent monitor is sought.
The board’s provisional appointment of Kemble is intended to fill the leadership gap and maintain the oversight function while the council completes its review process. Both the board and city officials indicated a shared interest in ensuring the independent monitor’s office remains effective and independent.
Next steps
City officials expect the Common Council to consider the board’s recommendation at its next meeting. If approved, Kemble will assume the interim role pending the hiring of a permanent independent police monitor.
The PCOB’s actions reflect a broader commitment to civilian oversight of law‑enforcement activities in Madison, a city that has prioritized transparency and accountability in recent years.
Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.
