Milwaukee, WI Privacy & Surveillance: Security Camera Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- 3+ incidents in 1 year
- Install deadline
- 60 days after notice
- Must maintain
- At least 2 years
- Footage retention
- 30 days minimum
- Penalty
- License suspension or revocation
Summary
Milwaukee's police chief can order any retail establishment tied to 3 or more crime incidents in a year to install security cameras covering the premises, entrance, and parking lot.
Security cameras shall be installed
and maintained in proper working order and operate
during all hours the retail establishment is open to
customers. Each security camera shall display an
accurate date and time stamp on each image and
produce retrievable images suitable for permanent
police records.
a-2.
Security cameras shall be installed so
as to provide clear images of the entire premises,
including areas as specified on the license as well as
the public right-of-way abutting the premises and any
off-street parking lot used expressly for patron
parking. In addition, at least one security camera shall
provide an overall view of each counter and register
area, and at least one security camera shall be
positioned to provide a clear, identifiable, full-frame
image of the face of each person entering and leaving
the retail establishment. Security camera views shall
not be obstructed by premises fixtures or displays.
The police may encourage retail establishments to
position and use additional security cameras to
bolster overall crime-prevention efforts.
a-3.
If a time-lapse digital video recorder is
operated, recorded images shall not be recorded at a
slower speed than 24 hours.
a-4.
All digital video records shall be stored
and maintained in good viewing order for 30 days
after recording.
a-5.
All digital video shall be made
Full Breakdown
Under City Code § 105-91, once the police chief documents three or more "qualified activity" incidents, crimes against life and bodily security, robbery, theft, firearms offenses, disorderly conduct, or prostitution, at a retail establishment within a one-year period, the chief can notify the owner or responsible party that a security camera system is required. The owner then has 60 days to install it and must maintain it for at least 2 years. Cameras must run whenever the store is open, timestamp every image, cover the entire premises plus the public right-of-way and any patron parking lot, and capture a clear face shot at each entrance/exit. Footage must be kept 30 days and produced to police or the licensing committee on request.
Violations & Fines
Failing to comply is grounds for non-renewal, suspension, or revocation of the establishment's license; the owner can appeal the chief's determination within the notice period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every Milwaukee retail store have to have security cameras?
What counts as a "retail establishment" under this rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Milwaukee
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Security Camera Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Milwaukee County handle security camera rules.