Overview
- Chief Jeffrey Norman directed an immediate pause on any facial recognition by the department and confirmed MPD will not pursue acquiring software at this time.
- The moratorium also halts previous practice of outsourcing facial recognition searches to neighboring agencies until a formal policy is in place.
- MPD says it will work with the Fire and Police Commission, the Common Council, the Mayor, and community members to craft a policy before reconsidering use.
- The Milwaukee Police Association is challenging the pause, arguing the tool helps generate leads in violent crime investigations and should remain available.
- Critics cite research documenting higher false-positive rates for some racial groups, and local bodies including the Equal Rights Commission and most of the Common Council have voiced opposition.