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250457
| 0 | | Communication | Communication relating to facial-recognition technology submitted to the Equal Rights Commission. | | | |
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| | 1. | | Call to Order
Minutes note: The meeting was called to Order at 4:00pm | | | |
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| | 2. | | Roll Call | | | |
Roll call
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| | 3. | | Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
Minutes note: Approval of Previous Minutes. No objections | | | |
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| | 4. | | Welcome Remarks from Chair
Minutes note: Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for being here. My name is Tony Snell Rodriguez, my pronouns are he/him, and I have the honor of serving as Chair of the City of Milwaukee Equal Rights Commission.
We’re here today to listen, to learn, and to advance a conversation rooted in equity, transparency, and accountability. This meeting centers on a topic with far-reaching implications: the potential use of facial recognition technology by the Milwaukee Police Department.
As part of this discussion, we will hear from members of the community, representatives of MPD, as well as from the Fire and Police Commission, who will speak to their role in oversight and the policy-making process.
The Equal Rights Commission is deeply mindful of our role and scope under Chapter 109 of the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances. While we do not set policy, we are charged with elevating community voices and providing informed recommendations that reflect our values and responsibilities.
To support that effort, we’ve requested a detailed analysis from the City’s Legislative Reference Bureau. We’re especially interested in how facial recognition technology is being used in peer-cities and in other municipalities across Wisconsin. Specifically, we’re seeking to understand:
•The positive outcomes and challenges associated with its use;
•The guardrails cities have implemented to prevent discrimination and misuse and are they working; and
•Oversight mechanisms and best practices that support equitable, responsible application.
This research, along with the important testimony shared today and during future listening sessions, will help shape how we understand the broader implications of this technology. Most importantly, we want to ensure that any conversation or decision is guided by evidence, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to civil rights and public trust.
Thank you again for being here and engaging in this critical dialogue. Let’s move forward together with clarity, purpose, and a shared vision for justice in Milwaukee.
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| | 5. | | Communication from Milwaukee Police Department
Minutes note: Members from the Milwaukee Police Department presented a PowerPoint and statements from:
* Heather Hough - Chief of Staff
* Paul Lough - Criminal Inspector
* David Anderson - Captain Major Crimes Division
* James Hutchinson - Captain
* Phillip Simmer - Captain Fusion Division | | | |
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| | 6. | | Communication from Fire and Police Commission
Minutes note: Commissioners from Fire and Police Commission presented their statements:
* Leon Todd - Executive Director
* Bree Spencer - Vice Chair
* Krissie Fong - Commissioner
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| | 7. | | Public Comments
Minutes note: Public Speakers:
1. Amanda Merkwae
2. Katie Grillaert
3. Ron Jansen
4. Heba Mohammad
5. Julie Hueller Curcio (Online)
6. Mustafa Nickolas Doherty
7. Emily Sterk
8. Pardeep Kaleka
9. Darryl Morin
10. Jonathan Klett
Written Testimony:
1. Miranda Larocque
2. Paul Geenen
3. John
4. Arthur Bollis
5. Kadambari Wade - Biometrica's Technology
6. Casey Serrano
7. Diego Garcia
8. Emilio De Torre
9. Erik Kennedy
10. Heba Mohammad
11. John David Dewey
12. Jonathan Klett
13. Julissa Velazquez
14. Kallen Bohl
15. Kate Renchin
16. Katie Panciera
17. Kathryn Wodtke
18. Brother Mustafa
19. Olivia McClain
20. Patty Jerving
21. Rheanna Henderson
22. Shary Tran
23. WIll Ohmn
24. Katie Grillaert
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| | 8. | | Commissioners' Comments
Minutes note: Commissioners provided comments and feelings about public testimony and their stand on Facial Recognition Technology | | | |
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| | 10. | | Communication from Office of Equity and Inclusion Staff
• Omar Barberena – Equal Rights Specialist
• Ramona Ramos – Equal Rights Complaints Liaison & Ad Hoc Complaints Committee
Minutes note: No communication at this time due to lack of time for today's meeting. Communication will be updated on the next meeting | | | |
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| | 11. | | Communication from Governance Committee
Minutes note: Governance Committee will be updating current issues during the next meeting due to lack of time for today's meeting | | | |
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| | 12. | | Adjourn
Minutes note: A motion to adjourned was called by Commissioner Halo with no objection. Meeting was adjourned at 6:05pm | | | |
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| | | | In the event that Common Council members who are not members of this committee attend this meeting, this meeting may also simultaneously constitute a meeting of the Common Council or any of the following committees: Community and Economic Development, Finance and Personnel, Judiciary and Legislation, Licenses, Public Safety and Health, Public Works, Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development, and/or Steering and Rules. Whether a simultaneous meeting is occurring depends on whether the presence of one or more of the Common Council member results in a quorum of the Common Council or any of the above committees, and, if there is a quorum of another committee, whether any agenda items listed above involve matters within that committee’s realm of authority. In the event that a simultaneous meeting is occurring, no action other than information gathering will be taken at the simultaneous meeting.
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| | | | Upon reasonable notice, efforts will be made to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities through
sign language interpreters or auxiliary aids. For additional information or to request this service, contact the
City Clerk's Office ADA Coordinator at (414) 286-3475, (FAX) (414) 286-2025, (TDD) (414) 286-2025
or by writing to the Coordinator at Room 205, City Hall, 200 E. Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202. | | | |
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| | | | Persons engaged in lobbying as defined in s. 305-43-4 of the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances are required to register with the City Clerk's Office License Division. Registered lobbyists appearing before a Common Council committee are required to identify themselves as such. More information is available at http://city.milwaukee.gov/Lobbying. | | | |
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