Milwaukee residents call for police transparency in release of body camera videos

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- This new video tonight is just the latest case where MPD released heavily-edited body camera video.

The department's policy on these videos is up for debate tonight at city hall. People are repeating their calls for more transparency from police.

No vote tonight again from the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission. Two drafts are on the table. One from police, the other's an internal document. The commission's talking about 15 days to the release of video -- with families allowed to see it 48 hours before it hits the public, so at day 13. But these numbers are subject to change.

An incredibly moving moment, giving a voice to those who no longer have one. These are the names of people who lost their lives at the hands of Milwaukee police.

"It's too late for all of these people to get justice, but it's not too late for you today, for all of the victims in the future," said Matt Anshush.

Dozens imploring the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission to take action and demand the release of unedited body cam video in these types of cases within 48 hours and officer names in 24 hours.

"Those tapes do not belong to the police department. They belong to the City of Milwaukee, work with the people," said Brian Verdeen with Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression.

It has been nine years since Dontre Hamilton was fatally shot at Red Arrow Park, which prompted body cam videos for Milwaukee police.

"Dontre can't speak. Jay Anderson can't speak. We don't unless we give it. Who's voice. I'm confused to be sitting here nine years later," said Maria Hamilton, Dontre's mother.

The Fire and Police Commission pointing to the fact they know this has carried on a long time now, saying they don't draft many policies -- and need the time to get it right. They said there will be a vote at some point but couldn't say exactly when that'll happen.