MADISON (WKOW) -- A new proposal to the city of Madison's 2026 Operating Budget would eliminate the Office of the Independent Monitor (OIM) and increase funding for the Madison Police Department's body-worn cameras.

A copy of the proposal states the amendment would end funding for the OIM and the Police Civilian Oversight Board (PCOB), which was under the OIM budget. The liquidation of those entities would save the city of Madison $405,299.

The proposal further states that the $405,299 would be allocated to "staffing capacity needs related to implementing body worn cameras" for the Madison Police Department (MPD). Up to five new civilian positions could be created within MPD from that money. The Madison police chief would have discretion over how to spend funds to implement body cameras.

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