The correct call: MPD decides against facial recognition technology
Statement from Alderman Alex Brower February 6, 2026
Earlier today, in an email to the Common Council, Mayor’s Office staff, and the Fire and Police Commission, the Milwaukee Police Department announced that it would ban the use of facial recognition technology (FRT) and not pursue the acquisition of FRT.
In part, the email said:
After hearing from the community and the Fire and Police Commission last evening, the Milwaukee Police Department will voluntarily issue a moratorium on the use of any and all facial recognition technology (FRT) use for the Department. We understand the public concern, particularly in light of national circumstances. Despite our belief that this is useful technology to assist in generating leads for apprehending violent criminals, we recognize that the public trust is far more valuable.
Therefore, effective immediately, Chief Norman will issue a department directive banning the use of facial recognition for all members.
In addition, MPD will not proceed with the acquisition of any facial recognition technology at this time.
This is outstanding news for the City and for the residents of Milwaukee, and I applaud Chief Jeffrey Norman on this decision.
FRT has the potential to infringe on the civil liberties of Milwaukeeans, and its use should always be looked at with suspicion on the streets of America, as we are supposed to be the land of the free.
I appreciate policing decisions that respect, support, and honor the rights of the People, and plan to diligently ensure MPD honors this decision.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Ald. Alex Brower
The correct call: MPD decides against facial recognition technology
Feb 6th, 2026 by Ald. Alex BrowerStatement from Alderman Alex Brower February 6, 2026
Standing up to ICE: Resources & Summary from February 2 Town Hall
Feb 6th, 2026 by Ald. Alex BrowerStatement from Alderman Alex Brower February 6, 2026
Difficult times for small local businesses
Dec 10th, 2025 by Ald. Alex BrowerStatement of Alderman Alex Brower December 10, 2025
A pretty decent article in the Journal had something that highlights what tech companies want. They want you personal info while promising not do anything nefarious with it.
“Biometrica…would provide its facial recognition technology in exchange for 2.5 million mugshots”.
“Police officials attempted to reassure the public of their intentions: The technology would be used only for violent crimes and could never be used as the sole basis for arresting someone”.
And what is with the Milwaukee Police Assosciation? They are quoted in the Journal article, “Removing or restricting these tools does not eliminate crime or danger – it risks shifting that danger onto Milwaukee residents and the officers sworn to protect them,”
So the MPA doesn’t feel the need to change their “chase policy” that is leading to innocent people getting killed. And they have no problem with fallible technology possibly being used against innocent people. This doesn’t suggest they have an interest in protecting Milwaukee residents. Throw in the fact that they continue to endorse politicians like Trump and have endorsed Walker in the past and I think what they really care about is not “protect and serve” but power and supporting people in power.
Well, there can be safeguards built in to using and approving new technology. It’s use is like a “lead” in an investigation that would always be followed up. My guess is that the City of Milwaukee is not serious about solving crimes by not moving forward. How many years will this pause be?
Does anyone remember when West Allis wanted to make bank customers use their fingerprints on checks back in the day…to help prevent (and identify) crimes or fraud?
It was shot down too…with people screaming shades of an impending dystopian Nineteen Eighty-Four. I guess you would rather have fraud on your accounts then?
Up until Danita Ball screws the whole thing up.