Amendment to Actively Begin Phase-in of Body Worn Camera Technology into the Madison Police Department in 2026 at reduced financial impact.

This is about where we are now. The effectiveness of body cameras depends on the policies governing their use. Body cameras have provided a powerful tool for police accountability primarily through providing verifiable evidence and increased transparency. This amendment is introduced to provide groundwork for phased in policy and careful implementation rather than to sit as a placeholder on the Horizon List for 2026. We start with providing our newly sworn in police chief with the ability to fully phase in full implementation of body worn cameras within the Madison Police Department. The opportunity for the City to hire an Independent Monitor, provide that person with the essentials for effective monitoring and goals to achieve these goals: (1) enhance safety, (2) accountability, (3) transparency, (4) public trust, (5) evidence gathering/storage/costs, and (6) improved police training. An opportunity to phase in Challenges and Limitations

Hiring an independent monitor is essential to the above process. The Office of the Independent Monitor has an interim at the head. An estimate time frame of recruitment, interviewing, confirmation and hiring could be a yearlong process. Having that position filled is critical. The IM is hired as the external expert, with an office staffed to provide impartial oversight to ensure compliance with rules, agreements, safety protocols. The Independent Monitor will not be part of an internal team, which would allow the monitor to provide an unbiased prospective hired to maintain credibility. At this time...the position of Independent Monitor is vacant, and the office is currently staffed by an interim. Redirecting those funds is what the amendment proposes.

The cost of not having an effective functioning department could possibly put the city at financial risk with lawsuits - 

 Settlements  thus far:

Total known financial settlements since 2006 estimated at over $9 million dollars. The initial cost of body cameras estimated less than $4 million dollars.

"If no action now...when? The money allocated to the Office of the Independent Monitor:

2020-2025 Total Budget Allocated to the Office of Independent Monitor    $2,457,694 | As of 10/30/25 Spent: $803,393

2020-2025 Total Budget Allocated to PCOB only -  $185,580

2020-2025 Total Budget Allocated to PCOB only - Spent: 73,233

The surplus was transferred to the Rainy-Day Fund (General Fund).

(OMI - Office of Independent Monitor)

(PCOB - Police Civilian Oversight Board)