The City of Milwaukee's ERC meeting held on July 25, 2025, focused on the contentious issue of facial recognition technology (FRT) and its implications for civil rights and public safety. The meeting featured testimony from various stakeholders, including representatives from the API Coalition and Ford Latino, who expressed strong opposition to the police department's proposed purchase of FRT technology.

The API Coalition emphasized the need for caution in adopting rapidly advancing technologies, particularly those intersecting with law enforcement practices. They highlighted concerns regarding the potential for civil rights violations and called for improvements in the technology before any implementation. The coalition underscored the importance of oversight safeguards to protect individuals' rights.

Daryl Bodine, National President of Ford Latino, also voiced significant concerns regarding the use of FRT in Milwaukee. He pointed out the documented issue of false positives, which disproportionately affect minority communities. Bodine argued that relying on technology that misidentifies individuals, especially those already facing systemic bias, undermines public safety and fairness. He further warned of the erosion of constitutional safeguards at the federal level, citing instances of private contractors accessing sensitive government databases.

The meeting provided a platform for community voices to be heard, with participants advocating for a cautious approach to the integration of new technologies in law enforcement. The discussions underscored the need for a balanced consideration of public safety and civil rights as the city navigates the complexities of modern policing technologies. No resolutions or decisions were made during this session, but the concerns raised will likely influence future discussions on the topic.