County board adopts resolution asking for policy on facial recognition use, privacy protections

Milwaukee County supervisors adopted a resolution on June 26 asking county departments to develop a comprehensive policy framework governing the use of facial recognition technology that protects First Amendment activities, privacy and civil rights.

The resolution (Item 27) was presented by Supervisor Mark Martinez and carried bipartisan co‑sponsorship from multiple members of the board. During the floor discussion Martinez described the proposal as a straightforward requirement that the sheriff’s department and other users create rules to prevent misuse and limit civil‑liberties risks known to disproportionately affect some demographic groups.

Before the roll call, several supervisors asked to be added as co‑sponsors. The clerk recorded unanimous consent to add co‑sponsors including Supervisors Alexander, Martin, Cox Jones, Vincent, Johnson and others. Supervisor Martinez then moved adoption.

The board adopted the resolution on a roll-call vote recorded as 17 ayes, 0 noes. The transcript shows the item was recommended for adoption out of committee and passed on the floor without amendment during the June 26 meeting.

The resolution directs county departments to draft a policy that includes privacy protections, limits on operational use to avoid suppression of lawful First Amendment activities, and safeguards against disproportionate impacts on protected groups. The text as adopted calls for a policy that would be developed in consultation with civil‑liberties stakeholders and returned to the board for further action or implementation guidance.

The transcript does not include the final text of the policy; it records only the board’s resolution requesting the development of such a policy. Departments tasked with producing the framework will determine next steps and timelines for drafting and reporting back to the board.