UW-Madison releases report on investigation of former UWPD chief's conduct

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MADISON (WKOW) -- The University of Wisconsin-Madison Office of Compliance on Thursday released the results of its investigation into former UWPD Chief Kristen Roman for alleged violations of university employment policy and work rules.

Roman resigned from her position in February. She had served as UWPD chief since 2017, following 26 years at the Madison Police Department.

According to the report, complaints were made about Roman's "use of a UWPD vehicle, her failure to pay for mileage and/or parking, and Roman's failure to provide payroll with attestation statements on her use of a state vehicle and parking for tax related purposes."

Fleet Driver and Management Policies state that mileage for fleet vehicles must be tracked on a daily basis. The investigation concluded Roman failed to do so.

The report says Roman stopped tracking the mileage on her squad car three months into her time as UWPD chief in March 2017. She admitted to using he squad car to attend hair appointments, doctor appointments and dinners.

Other complaints allege a romantic relationship between a Roman and another UWPD employee. The report says Roman eventually disclosed the relationship to the vice chancellor for finance and administration.

The report also says Roman performed a factory reset on her UWPD issued cell phone prior to returning it to UWPD, which is a violation of UWPD policy. The report acknowledges that the factory reset was not in the scope of the investigation though.  

According to the report, Roman also engaged in a sexual encounter with someone else who later became part of the UWPD, but she did not disclose the relationship when the person was hired. 

Additionally, the report found Roman did not fully disclose some additional outside activities she had been compensated for during her time as police chief including consulting work. 

In all, the report stated Roman was in violation of the following:

• Fleet Driver and Management Policies and Procedures Manual
• UW-5046 Nepotism
• UW-5048 Consensual Relationships
• Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter UWS 8--Unclassified Staff Code of Ethics
• UWPD Policy 26.1 Performance Procedures
• UWPD Values

Roman released the following statement Thursday regarding the findings of the investigation: 

"When I started my policing career in 1990, I took an oath that included a promise to always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable. To this end, I accept responsibility for these policy infractions, and I hope that my legacy is not defined by them.

It has truly been an honor to have served my community and my alma mater for the past 34 years, and I'm humbled to have done so alongside so many dedicated men and women.

To my colleagues and community partners, I'm proud of our collaboration and the positive difference we made together over the years. And to those among you who have reached out since my resignation, thank you for your kind words of appreciation and support.

I will carry all the successes and lessons learned with me as I move forward into the next leg of my journey."

Read the university's full report on the investigation below: