Body Cameras for Dane County Deputies Closer to Reality with Budget Approval
In a significant step towards enhancing transparency and accountability, Dane County sheriff’s deputies are set to be equipped with body cameras by 2027. County supervisors have approved a capital budget that allocates $3 million for these devices, marking a pivotal moment in the county’s law enforcement practices.
The recently approved 2027 budget, which encompasses $94 million in capital expenses and $861 million in operating costs, now awaits the signature of County Executive Melissa Agard. Agard has previously expressed her support for funding the body cameras, a move backed by many community stakeholders who see the potential for increased safety and transparency.
Deputies could begin using the cameras by the summer of 2027, following a period of training and a procurement process. Sheriff Kalvin Barrett intends to engage the community through sessions across the county, with community feedback being sought on a draft policy for camera use.
Supervisor Keith Furman emphasized the importance of robust policies for the use of body cameras, stating, “Body camera technology, if done right, makes our community safer and our justice system more transparent.” He is advocating for public comment over the next 30 days to refine the draft policy, which covers aspects such as limits on facial recognition and guidelines for footage storage and release.
Currently, only about 30 deputies in the west precinct are equipped with body cameras as part of a pilot program. The new funding aims to expand this to all public-facing officers in the department, aligning with practices in most law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin.
The push for broader adoption of body cameras gained momentum following a fatal shooting involving Madison Officer Kiel Baitinger-Peterson, who was not wearing a body camera at the time. This incident, along with renewed calls for accountability, has highlighted the need for all Madison officers to be outfitted with cameras.
A proposal to equip all Madison public-facing officers with body cameras by 2027 is currently awaiting approval from the Common Council. The plan would be funded through city, federal, and foundation resources. Despite police union support, concerns about privacy and potential over-policing have slowed progress in the past.
Furman acknowledged the financial challenges involved, noting, “It’s a pretty expensive technology. Finding a place in the (county) budget to be able to afford not only the purchasing of the hardware but the actual operation of the hardware, I know, has been difficult.”
