Satya Rhodes-Conway

The Madison Finance Committee unanimously approved a $350,000 grant to help equip roughly 220 police officers with body-worn cameras by summer 2027. The Madison Community Foundation awarded the one-year grant to cover software and personnel costs, with half expected to match an anticipated federal grant. Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, co-sponsoring the funding amendment with 10 alders, pushed to accelerate the timeline from the city's original three-year phase-in plan.

The push follows the July police shooting death of Corey Ruiz, recorded by bystanders, which drew national scrutiny. Officer Kiel Baitinger-Peterson shot Ruiz after authorities said Ruiz had a knife and injured the officer. Common Council President Sabrina Madison has since formed a workgroup to review use-of-force, de-escalation and body-camera policies, which met to discuss the camera program. Police Chief John Patterson expects officers to be equipped by early summer 2027, though the full common council must still approve operating funds and the grant agreement.