Ruiz Investigation Status & Next Steps

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Initial Hearing in the Matter of BPSADC, Inc. v. Officer Baitinger-Peterson

Present at the hearing were:

  • Members of the PFC & PFC Legal Counsel
  • Complainant BPSADC & Legal Counsel
  • Respondent Wisc Police Association Legal Counsel
  • Clerk
  • Members of the public

According to 6(d) of the Rules of the Board of the Police and Fire Commission of the City of Madison: The President may direct a preliminary investigation as to the jurisdiction of the Board, the standing of the complainant, or such other preliminary issues as the Board may identify.

  1. The parties submit additional information to the PFC

    In accordance with the rule, the President of the PFC directed a preliminary investigation as to the jurisdiction of the PFC and the standing of the complainant.

    • Requested that the parties submit additional information to the PFC, preferably in the form of a written brief regarding the standing of the complainant as an aggrieved person under applicable law
    • And whether the PFC may properly exercise jurisdiction over this complaint at the present time in accordance with applicable state and federal laws

  2. PFC Initial Hearing

    1. A formal brief and a declaration were received from the complainant. 
    2. An answer and motion to dismiss in the form of a formal brief were received from the respondent
    3. The initial hearing established the next-step schedule

  3. Response Briefs

    1. Each party has now the opportunity to respond to each other's briefs
    2. PFC commissioners will be given sufficient time to review the responses
    3. The response briefs must be filed by 11/10 at 5 PM

  4. Adjourned initial hearing

    1. the PFC members must review all the materials (2-3 weeks)
    2. An adjourned initial hearing will take place 12/1 at 3:30 PM
      1. Oral arguments will be presented regarding the preliminary issues
    3. PFC deliberates on:
      1. the standing of the complainant as an aggrieved person under applicable law
      2. jurisdiction over this complaint at the present time in accordance with applicable state and federal laws

Dane County Case Number 2026CV002709

On September 18, I emailed the OIM and Counsel requesting an update on the status of the petition filed to the Dane County Circuit Courts asking for:

"An Order to Show Cause and for Enforcement of a Duly Issued Subpoena to the City of Madison's Chief of Police for Records."

According to the Dane County Clerk of Courts, the parties have not yet been served, and consequently, no court date has been scheduled.

I stated in my  email that this matter is of significant interest not only to the Common Council but also to the community at large and requested a status update. 

I will share the response once I receive it.

Let's Talk: To the Extent Permitted by Law

Additional Information

Recognize the signs when others try to manipulate your emotions. Keep track of the information source. Based on information shared before the hearing, some people expected yesterday's PFC meeting to be about deciding whether to fire the police officer. As stated above, that was not what the hearing was about. 

The internet makes it easier to validate other people's claims. Do some research before sharing information. You can also contact your alder for clarification on upcoming meetings and agenda items.

Here are some additional links for your research.

PFC Webpage PFC Rules State Law 62.13 Police and fire departments Madison Legistar File 94849

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