Public Safety and Health Committee Meeting - March 12, 2026

The Public Safety and Health Committee of the Milwaukee Common Council met on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 9:09 AM in Room 301-B of City Hall, adjourning at 1:45 PM. The committee, chaired by Ald. Scott Spiker, considered 24 agenda items including police standard operating procedures, a resolution on first aid, a discussion of MPD camera use (including Flock Safety), a law enforcement identification ordinance, appointments, and multiple grant acceptances. Key themes included responses to federal immigration enforcement, improving police accountability and transparency, and the future of community violence prevention funding.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1-3 (Food access, food apartheid, closure notice): Referred to the Steering & Rules Committee due back 3/18/2026 (5-0 vote).
• Items 4-5 (Parking and traffic controls): Recommended for passage (5-0 votes).
• Items 17 (STD Infertility Prevention Grant): Recommended for adoption and referred to Finance & Personnel (5-0).
• Item 18 (MPS emergency mass care agreement): Recommended for adoption (5-0).
• Items 19-23 (Various DOT and Internet Crime grants): Recommended for adoption (5-0 or 4-0 excused votes).
• Item 24 (FPC SOPs): Placed on file (5-0).
• Item 15 (Operation: Safe Haven): Placed on file (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 10 (Law enforcement identification ordinance): Three speakers testified in support:
  • Christine Newmann-Ortiz (Voces de la Frontera) expressed strong support for requiring unmasked, identified law enforcement, citing cases of impersonation and fear from ICE operations.
  • Darryl Morin (Forward Latino) argued that unidentified masked agents create dangerous confusion for law-abiding concealed carry holders, risking tragedy, and stressed that identification protects everyone.
  • Emilio De Torre (Milwaukee Turners) spoke in favor, connecting the ordinance to Milwaukee's history of resisting unjust federal laws and upholding due process.

Discussion Items

• Item 6 (SOP 340 - Uniforms/Equipment/Appearance): Chief Sponsor Ald. Zamarripa and Ald. Brower explained that after negotiations with MPD, Chief Norman voluntarily modified the SOP to explicitly prohibit officers from concealing their identities. A motion to hold the item to the call of the chair failed (1-4), and the item was placed on file (5-0).
• Item 7 (SOP 172 - Sick and Injured Persons): Ald. Zamarripa noted that MPD's existing SOP already required rendering aid, and Chief Norman issued a roll call memo reminding officers of this duty, including for injuries caused by other agencies. The item was placed on file (4-1, with Ald. Burgelis voting no).
• Item 8 (First aid resolution): A symbolic resolution affirming that Milwaukee's protective services (police and fire) will render first aid regardless of immigration status or cause of injury. Adopted (5-0).
• Item 9 (MPD camera use – Flock Safety): MPD Chief Jeffrey Norman, Risk Manager James Lewis, and FPC Director Leon Todd presented on the use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs). Discussion covered access controls, training, an updated audit system, data sharing policies (no sharing with federal agencies, only with Wisconsin agencies and Chicago), and safeguards against misuse. The item was held to the call of the chair (5-0) for further discussion.
• Item 10 (Law enforcement identification ordinance – substitute): Ald. Brower introduced a substitute ordinance requiring all law enforcement officers in Milwaukee to be clearly identified (no face coverings, marked vehicles, visible agency identification), with exceptions for undercover criminal investigations. The City Attorney's office opined that the substitute is legal and enforceable, though noted challenges regarding federal supremacy and immunity. The substitute was recommended for passage (5-0).
• Item 13 (Appointment of Karin Tyler as Community Wellness and Safety Director): Mayor Johnson's nominee, currently interim director, faced extensive questioning about her vision for the new department, funding sustainability (two-thirds of current budget expires at year-end), staff turnover, and communication with alders. Ald. Moore and Ald. Taylor praised her responsiveness and experience. Confirmed 3-1-1 (Ald. Spiker no, Ald. Moore abstain).
• Item 15 (Operation: Safe Haven): Kent Qualls, a U.S. Air Force veteran, presented on a proposed July 4th event for veterans with PTSD, including yard signs and public service announcements. Placed on file.
• Item 11 (Appointment of Ald. Larresa Taylor to Board of Health): Confirmed 4-0-1 (Taylor abstained).
• Item 12 (Appointment of Stephanie Fierro-Padilla to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Commission): Confirmed 5-0.

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
  • Item 6: Motion to hold failed (1-4), placed on file (5-0).
  • Item 7: Placed on file (4-1).
  • Item 8: Adopted (5-0).
  • Item 9: Held to call of chair (5-0).
  • Item 10: Substitute ordinance recommended for passage (5-0).
  • Item 11: Appointment confirmed (4-0-1).
  • Item 12: Appointment confirmed (5-0).
  • Item 13: Appointment confirmed (3-1-1).
  • Items 1-3: Referred to Steering & Rules (5-0).
  • Items 4-5: Recommended for passage (5-0).
  • Items 17-23: Various adoptions (all 5-0 or 4-0 with excused).
• Next steps: Items referred to full council or other committees as noted. The MPD camera discussion will continue at a future call of the chair. The law enforcement identification ordinance will go to the full council with a recommended substitute.