A Dane County judge on Wednesday granted a four-year harassment restraining order against Madison’s interim Independent Police Monitor, Aeiramique “Meeka” Glass, after a Madison Police officer alleged Glass pushed, swatted, and scratched her during an Aug. 4 confrontation.
The officer petitioned for a temporary restraining order on Aug. 31. At Wednesday’s hearing, Glass submitted a letter asking to reschedule. The request was denied, and she did not appear. The court then issued the longer injunction. It bars Glass from harassing the officer, approaching her home, or having contact with her at work or in public.
The officer has generally not been named publicly because of an open criminal investigation in which she may be a victim. Madison Police referred the Aug. 4 incident to the Green Bay Police Department for an independent review. The officer also cited a criminal case against Glass and an internal human-resources complaint over Glass’s conduct as a city employee.
The clash occurred while city crews and officers were clearing a protest encampment near Williamson and Baldwin streets. The site had been set up after a Madison officer fatally shot Corey Ruiz during a struggle on July 22. Police said people remained in the roadway and engaged officers verbally and physically. One of those encounters involved Glass around 1:30 p.m.
In her petition, the officer said she was working with a Special Events Team when she tried to keep Glass away from another officer. She alleged Glass swatted her arm and pushed her, causing her to lose her footing. After she tried to take Glass into custody, she said Glass resisted, scratched her, and pushed her again. The officer reported bruising on her right arm, left wrist, and thigh, plus scratches she said tore her skin after Glass “dug her fingernails” into her arm. She also said a crowd around Glass shouted threatening remarks at officers.
Drone video released by Madison Police shows Glass interacting with officers, an officer extending an arm, physical contact, and other officers moving in. Glass later said officers were antagonistic, told her to leave, and that she was asking for a badge number when a female officer used a forearm to shove her. Glass said she pushed back and was then swarmed. She reported a deep cut on her hand.
Video recorded after the scuffle captured Glass saying she would “burn this city down.” She later said she stood by the remark. Her attorney described it as a figurative expression about exposing injustice, not a literal threat. Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway called any city employee’s call for violence “disturbing” but noted the monitor’s office is designed to operate independently of the mayor.
A Madison Police spokesperson said the department is aware of the order, respects it, and will work with the officer to uphold it. Glass and the Office of the Independent Monitor did not immediately comment on the court ruling.
