In a few days, Wisconsin will become the first state in the nation to require outside investigation when people die in police custody. The new law is the result of years of activism on the part of family members and a Milwaukee-Journal Sentinel investigation into five years of in-custody deaths in Milwaukee. Despite circumstances of detainees’ deaths, officers were typically quickly cleared of wrongdoing.
One of the bill’s co-sponsors, Rep. Chris Taylor (D-Madison) is reportedly "optimistic" that her state will inspire others to adopt similar measures.
"I’m proud that Wisconsin is the first state in the nation to have this outside investigatory process. It’s kind of unbelievable."