Common Council

Unique opportunities to learn firsthand about body-worn cameras

I am a strong proponent of body-worn cameras. When I went door-to-door during my campaign, talking to voters, the vast majority of people in District 18 agreed that this was a common-sense tool that we should provide to our officers as part of our commitment to community policing.

A pilot program has been proposed in the North District, right here in our area. Our officers would have access to 48 body cameras. The Common Council approved $83,000 for the program in the 2021 Capital Budget but we have not yet taken the final steps to approve it. It is time to do so.

I am glad to see that the Madison Police Department is holding a series of roundtable discussions and informational sessions to help residents learn about this technology and ask questions about its use.

Details about three upcoming sessions are below. I encourage you to attend!

Thursday, February 10

Share the Table (In Person)
Conversations with MPD about Body-Worn Cameras
Memorial Union
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Sign up: surveys.axon.com/s3/MPDST 

Patrol officers and department leadership will also participate. They'll share how these cameras will directly impact their work and answer any questions participants may have about this technology. Participants will also have the opportunity to review case studies and research, participate in hands-on activities and engage in honest and facilitated discussions about body-worn cameras.

Participants will need to check in with the information desk at Memorial Terrace for a room number. Pizza will also be provided to guests at this seminar. There is limited space for each seminar and guests are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. 

Thursday, February 17

Virtual "Share the Table" Seminar
Thursday, February 17th

6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Participants can sign up for this seminar at surveys.axon.com/s3/MPDST 

Thursday, February 24

Panasonic on Body-Worn Cameras
MPD Training Center

5702 Femrite Dr

Madison, WI 53718
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

At this meeting, Panasonic will present its product and show how body-worn technology helps with community policing.

Another virtual informational meeting will also take place on March 3. Please stay tuned for more information.