Madison Media Digest: Body Cameras, Government and Community

Here’s what we were reading while wishing we enjoyed this weekend’s snow as much as this guy.

Body Cameras

The City Council approved a set of initiatives meant to build trust between police and communities, putting the use of body cameras by Madison police on hold. Deputy Mayor Gloria Reyes describes these plans. WISC praised the decision, saying trust between police and community is necessary for body cameras to be effective. The State Journal dissented on the grounds that civilian complaints decline when police wear cameras. Retired Madison Police Officer Wayne Strong says cameras reduce officer discretion in troubling ways.

Government

The Dane County Board passed a $567.M budget on Monday, which includes a series of initiatives aimed at reducing disparities in the criminal justice system and racial disparities at the County Jail. Chris Rickert says the County Board should drop its symbolic opposition to a series of state laws that Attorney General Brad Schimel says protects children. The Capital Times wonders what sort of development will actually work for Judge Doyle Square. A local developer is still interested in the site. The city delayed a decision on changes to noise rules in response to neighborhood complaints about amplified music. Festival organizers worry about the effects of the new rules. The City Council saw a panel on the 2070 Yahara Watershed.  

Community

Madison’s homeless population has remained steady from 2014 to 2015, but there has been a spike since 2010. Central Library is providing services to the homeless. The Community Action Coalition’s efforts to improve food security in Dane County were profiled on WORT. Fabu has those who are losing their jobs at Oscar Mayer in her thoughts this Thanksgiving. Some cities have done well after Kraft Heinz has left. MGE plans to add renewable power sources over the next 15 years. Madison’s STAR Credit Union is celebrating its 10th year. We wrote about the program last year. Madison School Board Student Representative Anthony Chung represents the concerns of students. Capital City Hues features the MMSD’s Native American Student Association. Two UW graduates have started a tech startup hub on the East Side. Local charities are stepping up their efforts for the holidays. A UW course connects students with South Madison.