Why 17 Madison Officials Voted Against Bodycams Before Police Shooting
Summary
Madison, Wisconsin police officers do not wear body cameras, which means no official footage exists of a recent fatal shooting involving Corey Durell Ruiz, a homeless man. The Madison Common Council voted mostly against funding body cameras last year due to budget concerns and the desire to maintain funding for police oversight and homelessness programs.Key Facts
- Corey Durell Ruiz, 38, was fatally shot by police in Madison, Wisconsin.
- Officers involved do not wear body cameras, so only cellphone video shows the incident.
- Madison’s police force is about 500 officers and is one of the largest in the Midwest without body cameras.
- In November 2023, the Madison Common Council voted 17 to 3 against redirecting funds to start a body camera program.
- Council members support body cameras but were concerned about cutting funds from the Office of the Independent Police Monitor.
- Budget concerns and priorities like homelessness response influenced the decision.
- Police Chief John Patterson is expected to propose a 2027 budget that includes body cameras.
- Some council members want clear policies and safeguards before approving body camera funding.
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