Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Vehicle Pursuits topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fire and Police Commission recommends limits on police vehicle pursuits and expanded video release categories
Summary
The commission voted April 16 to recommend a substitute resolution limiting pursuits for reckless driving observed after an attempted stop, and to add pursuits involving death or great bodily harm to categories of incidents covered by the video-release policy (SOP 5-75). The recommendation now goes to MPD and potentially the Common Council.
The Fire and Police Commission voted April 16 to recommend a proposed substitute resolution (proposed Substitute A) that would tighten Milwaukee Police Department rules on vehicle pursuits and expand the video‑release policy.
The substitute recommends modifying SOP 6‑60 to prohibit department members from engaging in vehicle pursuits for reckless driving observed after an attempted stop, and to require termination of a pursuit if continuation increases danger to the public. It would also recommend that SOP 5‑75 (video release) be modified to require release of video evidence for pursuits that result in death or great bodily harm.
Vice Chair Spencer and Commissioner World Patterson sponsored the substitute; after public comment and discussion the commission moved and approved the proposed substitute on a roll‑call vote. Commissioners noted several recent fatal incidents and urged policies that reduce the risk of lethal outcomes from low‑level traffic stops escalating into pursuits. One commissioner noted the city recorded multiple pursuit‑related deaths in 2024–2025 and asked to ensure the draft text references the correct year(s).
The commission emphasized that its action is a recommendation: MPD may choose to adopt the change administratively, or the common council could act. The commission noted the next public safety committee and council timelines and encouraged continued coordination with community groups who testified at the meeting.
