Dane County Executive Agard, Sheriff Barrett Highlight $3 Million Body-Worn Camera Investment

Proposed 2027 capital investment would support body-worn camera program for Dane County Sheriff’s Office

Proposed 2027 capital investment would support body-worn camera program for Dane County Sheriff’s Office DANE COUNTY – Dane County Executive Melissa Agard and Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett today highlighted a $3 million capital investment in Agard’s proposed 2027 Executive Budget to support body-worn cameras for the Dane County Sheriff’s Office. Agard first included the investment as part of the 2027 Executive Budget she introduced last week. On Thursday, Agard and Barrett discussed how the investment would support public safety while strengthening transparency, accountability, and trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. “Public safety is one of the most fundamental responsibilities we have in county government, and our residents deserve to feel safe and have confidence in the people and institutions that serve them,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “This $3 million investment is about strengthening safety, transparency, and public trust. Body-worn cameras can provide greater clarity when questions arise, strengthen accountability, and help protect both members of the public and the deputies who serve them.” Body-worn and dashboard cameras have become widely used tools among law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin. In a statewide survey conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, 88% of responding law enforcement agencies reported using at least one form of recording device, while 12% reported using neither body-worn nor dashboard cameras. The Dane County Sheriff’s Office began a body-worn camera pilot program in its West Precinct in 2024 to test the technology and develop policies and guidelines for its use. The proposed $3 million capital investment would support the Sheriff’s Office as it moves forward with broader implementation. “Body-worn cameras are an important resource that supports accountability, transparency, and trust,” said Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett. “This investment will enable us to build on the work we began with our pilot program and move Dane County forward. The funding reflects what can be accomplished when we collaborate with our community partners and elected officials toward a shared goal. I especially appreciate County Executive Agard’s leadership and support in making this possible.” As part of implementation, the Dane County Sheriff’s Office will finalize policies related to the use, retention, and release of body-worn camera footage and develop a public communication plan to help residents understand the program and their rights. “Technology alone does not create trust. It matters how that technology is used and whether the public understands the policies surrounding it,” Agard said. “As we make this investment, we are committed to ensuring transparency and accountability remain at the center of implementation.” The $3 million investment is included in Agard’s proposed 2027 Dane County capital budget and is subject to approval by the Dane County Board of Supervisors.