FITCHBURG, Wis. – On Tuesday night the Fitchburg City Council examined a proposal to spend $1.8 million on a new surveillance system from Axon. The package would add drones that can respond to 911 calls, license‑plate readers, upgraded body cameras with live translation and the ability to tap private home and business security cameras.
Public‑safety arguments
Police officials presented the technology as a vital tool for catching criminals faster and protecting residents. Deputy Chief Matt Lahey emphasized that the city would control how the system is used and that data would remain within Fitchburg. He noted that the department has used automated license‑plate readers for more than 15 years and that the new system would not share information with immigration authorities.
Resident opposition
Several community members pushed back, saying the vote felt rushed and that earlier hearing sessions had not clearly advertised the agenda. Long‑time resident John Fournelle, who has lived in Fitchburg for 34 years, warned that increased surveillance could create fear in the city’s immigrant community. “We’re not against having a safe community, but the question is, does Fitchburg really need this?” he asked.
Fournelle also questioned the claimed discounts, noting the vendor’s promise of a $400,000‑$700,000 reduction on a $1.8 million package. He called for a pause in the process, additional public hearings and an independent expert to verify the system’s security.
Support for the proposal
Other residents voiced strong support. Rita Henricks, a Fitchburg resident of more than 20 years, said the city must provide adequate equipment for police. “When there is a murder in Fitchburg, we expect them to use every tool they can possibly use to solve that murder,” she said.
Josh Jenkins echoed the need for clear policy before signing any contract, urging the council to adopt guidelines that protect civil liberties while enabling law‑enforcement tools.
Council vote and next steps
At 10:30 p.m., the council voted on the 2026 budget amendment and failed to pass the resolution. The council still must consider an amendment to the proposed 2027 budget, with a vote scheduled for later that evening.
Separately, the Dane County Public Protection & Judiciary Committee reviewed a sheriff’s office contract for an automated license‑plate reader system from Axon. After extensive discussion, the committee voted to deny the recommendation, with Supervisor Larson stating, “I cannot support mass surveillance without public confidence.”
What’s at stake
The debate highlights a broader tension in southern Wisconsin, where several towns have ended contracts with Flock Safety over privacy concerns. Fitchburg’s former Flock contract was terminated after worries that data could be shared with ICE. The new Axon proposal raises similar questions about data security, immigrant‑community trust and the balance between safety and civil liberties.
City officials say the technology will be used responsibly, but residents are calling for transparent policies, independent oversight and assurances that the system will not be used to target illegal immigrants or violate privacy rights.
The council’s upcoming vote on the 2027 budget amendment will determine whether the $1.8 million surveillance package moves forward.
Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.
