Milwaukee Police Union Challenges Pause on Facial Recognition Technology

Union argues the technology is a useful tool to solve crimes, despite public backlash over department's efforts to acquire its own software.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The Milwaukee Police Association, the union representing the city's rank and file officers, is pushing back on the Milwaukee Police Department's decision to temporarily halt all use of facial recognition technology. Following intense public criticism over the department's effort to acquire its own facial recognition software contract, Police Chief Jeffrey Norman issued a moratorium on the department's use of the technology. However, the police union president argues detectives could benefit from using the technology to solve crimes, and that a policy could be created to govern its proper use.

Why it matters

Facial recognition technology has faced growing public scrutiny and concerns over racial bias and privacy issues. The Milwaukee case highlights the tensions between law enforcement's desire to utilize the technology as an investigative tool and community activists' calls for strict policies and oversight to prevent misuse and wrongful arrests.

The details

Milwaukee police have been outsourcing facial recognition requests to neighboring police agencies who already have their own contracts, but that practice will stop under the new moratorium. Police union president Alex Ayala said he's disappointed with the decision, arguing detectives could use the technology to solve crimes. Ayala acknowledged wrongful arrests could happen as the department learns to use the technology, but said a good policy could prevent issues. The department began working on a facial recognition policy almost a year ago, but has not provided an update on its progress.

  • On February 4, 2026, Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman issued a moratorium on the department's use of facial recognition technology.
  • In May 2025, a 12 News Investigates special report examined how department officials were weighing the risks and benefits of facial recognition technology.

The players

Milwaukee Police Association

The union representing the Milwaukee police department's rank and file officers.

Jeffrey Norman

The Milwaukee Police Chief who issued a moratorium on the department's use of facial recognition technology.

Alex Ayala

The Milwaukee Police Union President who is disappointed with the decision to halt use of facial recognition technology.

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What they’re saying

“Detectives could really use this tool to solve crimes.”

— Alex Ayala, Milwaukee Police Union President (WISN)

“If they get used improperly, then those people get dealt with and they get fired and they get suspended.”

— Alex Ayala, Milwaukee Police Union President (WISN)

What’s next

The Milwaukee Police Department is still working on developing a policy to govern the use of facial recognition technology, but there is no timeline for when a first draft might be available.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement, with police arguing it is a valuable investigative tool while community groups raise concerns over privacy, bias, and the potential for misuse. The development of clear policies and oversight mechanisms will be crucial as departments seek to balance public safety and civil liberties.