County passes resolution in support of a policy similar to SOP 575 for the Sheriff's office

The Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression wins county board resolution in support of a Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) policy similar to (SOP) 575, in committee. 

For years, the Milwaukee Alliance fought for SOP 575, a policy requiring the release of body cam footage and all other relevant footage of officer-involved critical incidents within 48 hours to families of victims and within 15 days to the public. Timely release of footage helps families and communities heal and get justice for their loved ones. 

Today, the Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and General Services committee of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors passed Resolution 24-1062, expressing their support for a similar policy at the county level. This resolution recommends the adoption of a policy similar to SOP 575 for the MCSO, District Attorney, Community Reintegration Center, and the Vel R. Phillips Youth and Family Justice Center. A policy like SOP 575 at the county level increases transparency and accountability, both of which are severely lacking in the MCSO. 

The MCSO must be held accountable for the violence perpetrated throughout the county. For years, we have worked with families who have lost loved ones inside the County Jail that the MCSO operates, families like those of Cilivea Thyrion and Brieon Green. Families should not have to wait months or years to hear the details about their loved one’s death. 

Our demands for transparency and accountability will be heard. The MCSO has broken the trust of the people of Milwaukee, but adopting this policy is one step towards a better direction.