Milwaukee Police Department facial recognition technology banned

February 6, 2026 - 20:06

In a decisive move, Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman has enacted an immediate and comprehensive ban on the use of facial recognition technology (FRT) within the department. The directive prohibits all sworn members and employees from utilizing any form of FRT or pursuing its acquisition for investigative or departmental purposes.

The order underscores a significant policy shift for the city's law enforcement, placing Milwaukee among a growing number of jurisdictions reevaluating the controversial surveillance tool. Chief Norman's ban is reportedly rooted in concerns over the technology's documented issues with accuracy, particularly across different demographics, and the profound ethical questions surrounding privacy and potential bias.

Department officials indicate the prohibition is absolute, with no current exceptions for criminal investigations. This stance reflects a prioritization of community trust and civil liberties amid a national debate on policing and technology. The decision effectively halts any operational use or future procurement of systems designed to identify individuals by scanning and matching facial features from images or video footage.

The policy mandates that all department members comply with the new regulations, marking a clear boundary in Milwaukee's approach to modern policing tools. The move has been met with approval from local advocacy groups, who have long cautioned against the unchecked use of such surveillance by law enforcement agencies.