Proposed Bill Would Allow State To Scrutinize Local Police Purchases

State officials would have increased oversight of local police department equipment purchases under a bill introduced in the state Legislature.

The bill would create a legislative committee that would take reports from local police departments on purchases of new weapons and surveillance devices.

State Rep. David Craig, R-Big Bend, said he introduced the bill in response to new types of police technology, including license plate scanners and “stingray” cellphone trackers. Craig said the committee would oversee these new devices, with an eye on potential citizen privacy concerns.

“All we’re saying is the Legislature should have a hold on the kinds of technology being used, given the constitutional ramifications of that technology,” said Craig.

Opponents, including the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, said it would interfere with ongoing police work.

Dennis Nasci, chief of police for the West Milwaukee Police Department, said the bill could interfere with investigations.

“If I have an active investigation and I have to all of the sudden start putting all of these documents and tapes and stuff together to send up here because somebody decided they wanted to look at what we were doing, that could compromise that entire investigation,” Nasci said.

The legislative oversight committee would collect information from departments on new equipment purchases.

The bill is still in committee.