MILWAUKEE (WTAQ) – A number of Milwaukeeans wonder if the city’s new body cameras for police officers will do much good in checking the officers’ behavior on the streets.
At a three-hour hearing Tuesday night, residents questioned a proposed Fire and Police Commission policy to give officers discretion to turn off the cameras.
Victims and witnesses could ask that their statements not be recorded. Officers can use discretion in recording victims of sexual assaults and crimes against kids.
Also, the policy says officers “will make every effort” to activate cameras for other police contacts.
Some call the “every effort” clause too big of a loophole. Critics say it makes it too easy to hide bad behavior by officers, and there are not enough consequences for that.
Police officials say the reasons for turning off the cameras must reported. Attorney Jonathan Safran says the video retention period may be shorter than the statute of limitations for certain injury cases and civil rights claims.
Milwaukee’s proposed budget would place cameras on all uniformed officers by the end of next year.
The fire and police panel will discuss the policy Thursday.
(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)
