Board adopts resolution urging sheriff's office to adopt a time-limited video-release policy after heated debate

The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 6 adopted a resolution asking the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office to develop a policy for releasing audio and video from critical incidents to family members and to the public. The sponsors modeled the request on the City of Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission's video-release policy and asked for time-limited release: family access within 48 hours and public release within 15 days, subject to redaction and withholding under enumerated exceptions.

Supervisor Juan Miguel Martinez, the resolution's sponsor on the floor, called the measure "a long-overdue common-sense policy" and said it aimed to increase transparency after high-profile critical incidents.

The proposal drew intense debate. Opponents raised legal and investigative concerns. Supervisor Logsdon and others noted prior committee testimony from the sheriff's office and from counsel that releasing footage prematurely could compromise criminal investigations, outside investigators and district attorney review. Corporation Counsel Scott Brown told the board the resolution is an advisory request and "would be asking the Sheriff's Office to consider implementing a policy. This would not effectuate a policy change," emphasizing the board cannot unilaterally impose rules on the sheriff's internal operations.

A motion to refer the resolution back to the judiciary committee failed on a board roll call; the board then voted on adoption. The clerk recorded the final roll as 12 ayes, 5 noes, and 1 excused; the resolution was adopted and will be transmitted to the sheriff's office for consideration.

Supporters said a clear, consistent county policy would reduce subjectivity in decisions about when to release footage and increase public trust. They pointed to the City of Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission policy as a model that includes exceptions and redaction procedures for victims, juveniles and ongoing investigations. Opponents said the sheriff's office already follows state public-records law and that rigid timelines could hinder investigations or clash with state statutes.

Why it matters: the adopted resolution signals strong board-level support for greater transparency in cases involving use of force or critical incidents, while raising questions about the practical and legal steps needed to balance transparency with investigative integrity.

The board expressly asked the sheriff's office to consider a policy with family access in 48 hours and a public release within 15 days, subject to redactions for juvenile victims, protected health information, ongoing criminal investigations and other recognized exceptions. The resolution is advisory; implementation depends on the sheriff's office and compliance with Wisconsin public records law and any applicable prosecutorial review.