Legislature should take steps to establish uniform definitions, increase transparency

Key Task Force policing recommendations supported by Badger Institute research


** Legislature should take steps to establish uniform definitions, increase transparency
------------------------------------------------------------

CONTACT: Policy Analyst Julie Grace: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or 330-410-6212

Key recommendations ([link removed]) on police use-of-force policies released by the Assembly Speaker’s Task Force on Racial Disparities ([link removed]) yesterday align with reforms put forth by the Badger Institute in recent months and should be adopted by the Legislature, according to Badger Institute Policy Analyst Julie Grace.

The recommendations issued by the Subcommittee on Law Enforcement Policies and Standards would increase transparency from police departments across the state and ultimately lead to better police-community relations.

“It’s encouraging that this diverse committee reached consensus on such an important and timely issue,” said Grace. “Any steps the Legislature can take to improve accountability, data collection and public reporting on police use-of-force incidents will provide Wisconsinites with better information and instill confidence in the system.”

Badger Institute
research and recommendations ([link removed]) on police use of force and police discipline reinforce some of the crucial Task Force recommendations:
* Ensuring public access to use-of-force policies by requiring police departments to post them to their website or their municipality’s website.
* Requiring statewide data collection on use-of-force incidents, including the various types of force used.
* Determining a statewide definition for use of force by law enforcement officers.
* Requiring law enforcement agencies to maintain employment files for officers that include performance reviews, disciplinary actions and other information, and requiring this information to be shared when another agency is interviewing an officer for a job.

To their credit, police in Wisconsin’s largest cities rarely use force when making an arrest. In Just the Facts ([link removed]) , we reported that use of force by police officers occurs in one in every 29 arrests in Madison and one in every 30 arrests in Milwaukee. Further, the vast majority of civilian interactions with police – 95% of calls for service in Madison, for instance – do not result in an arrest. But when these incidents do occur, consistent and comparable information can be hard to find.

Proposals similar to those issued by the Task Force subcommittee are included in a
package of bills ([link removed]) spearheaded by Sen. Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) and Sen. Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee) and in another package proposed by Gov. Tony Evers. The Wisconsin Professional Police Association has urged lawmakers ([link removed]) to take action on the Task Force’s recommendations.

Donate ([link removed])
Our work in advancing free markets, opportunity and prosperity in the Badger State is only made possible by the generous donations of our supporters. The Badger Institute is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. We do not accept any government funding.

We gratefully accept your support at any level. Donate online ([link removed]) or contact Director of Development Angela Smith at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or 414-254-6440.

============================================================
We believe competitive free markets, limited government, private initiative and personal responsibility are essential to our democratic way of life. The Badger Institute is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and does not receive government funding. Our work is funded solely through tax-deductible gifts from foundations, companies and individuals. We appreciate your support.
** Contribute ([link removed])
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Twitter ([link removed])
** Website ([link removed])
Copyright © 2021 Badger Institute, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

Our mailing address is:
Badger Institute
700 W. Virginia St., Suite 301
Milwaukee, Wi 53204
USA
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
.
Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp
[link removed]