MADISON, Wis. — The Madison Police Department (MPD) announced it started its body-worn camera pilot program.
The pilot program will run through July 14.
Last summer, Madison’s Common Council voted in favor of a 90-day body camera pilot program for police officers in the city’s north district.
“This pilot program represents a pivotal stride toward our vision of becoming a National Model for Exceptional Policing through our unwavering commitment to selfless public service, effective community partnerships and evidence-based policing practices,” Madison chief of police Shon Barnes said.
Officers participating in the pilot program, and their supervisors, have spent recent weeks learning how the cameras work. Staff members learned how to access video storage and handle video requests from the public.
Officers will use Panasonic cameras as part of the pilot program. MPD’s SWAT teams and motorcycle-riding patrol officers already use Panasonic cameras.
Amy Bramlett works as a police officer in the district chosen for the pilot program.
“When we are ready, it is pretty sturdy, these then will clip in, like that and so the whole thing then is pretty sturdy, which is kind of nice,” said Bramlett when equipping her body camera.
The body cameras come with a series of different attachments. The one Bramlett has chosen uses a strong magnet to support the body camera on her shirt.
Bramlett said squad cars are equipped with dashboard cameras and officers are required to wear an audio recording device.
She said the body cameras should provide a better view during calls.
“Capturing if someone is very confrontational or wants to fight us or if they are posturing in a certain way,” said Bramlett.
The City of Madison said an independent researcher was hired to study the pilot program. Findings will be reported to city leaders and MPD.
The City of Madison said the Dane County Sheriff’s Office will pilot body-warn cameras this year.
The city said that more than 60% of Wisconsin law enforcement agencies reported using body-worn cameras in 2020. Madison officials said it is one of the largest cities in the state without the technology.
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