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Senator Patrick Testin
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Chairman Testin Looks Forward to Finding Balance through Discussion
Madison, WI – The Legislative Council Study Committee on the Use of Police Body Cameras is set to hold its first hearing this Thursday. Senator Patrick Testin (Stevens Point), the chair of the committee, looks forward to having productive discussions that will pave the way for reform.
The committee is tasked with reviewing body camera policies implemented by law enforcement and recommending legislation that would establish uniform procedures for how that information should be retained or released.
“The public has a right to access footage gathered by the police, and at the same time, innocent bystanders filmed by police body cameras also have a right to privacy. I look forward to hearing from experts, talking with my colleagues, and working together to determine a balanced approach that respects all members of society,” said Senator Testin.
In addition to Senator Testin, the committee includes Rep. Chris Taylor (Madison), who will serve as Vice-Chair, Senator Chris Larson, Rep. John Spiros, Monroe County District Attorney Kevin Croninger, Catherine Dorl from the State Public Defender’s Office, attorney James Friedman with the firm of Godfrey & Kahn, WISN-TV News Director Ben Hart, Brown Deer Police Chief Mike Kass, and Knapp Deputy Sheriff Jeff Klatt.
Tomorrow’s committee meeting will begin at 10 A.M. in Room 411 South of the State Capitol. Testimony will be heard from invited guests only. The meeting is open to the public and will be broadcast live on WisconsinEye.
