Latest sentence in police strip search case fails to do justice

The sentencing today of former Milwaukee police officer Jacob Knight is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. In my opinion, the court missed the mark badly, sentencing the former officer to just 20 days in jail and 60 hours of community service for the officer’s terrible and dehumanizing conduct while on duty.

The sentence sends the wrong message, and is a slap in the face and a disgrace to the community in general. I believe the sentence can easily be perceived as the court’s bias in favor of law enforcement and its continued insensitivity toward a large portion of our community.

This former officer (and the others involved in the strip search nightmare) brought a stain to the Milwaukee Police Department—a stain that may unfortunately blot out the very good work being done by the other 99 percent of MPD officers, who do their jobs well and under difficult circumstances.

My fear is that the sentence handed down today by the court may not discourage this kind of officer misconduct in the future.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.

Recent Press Releases by Willie Hines

President Hines to vacate Common Council seat

Jan 31st, 2014 by Willie Hines

Common Council President Willie L. Hines, Jr., who has served as Milwaukee’s 15th District Alderman since 1996 and Council president since 2004, announced today that he is resigning his seat on the Council effective tomorrow, February 1, 2014.

Statement of Common Council President Willie L. Hines, Jr.

Dec 19th, 2013 by Willie Hines

President Hines statement about Alderman Jim Bohl.

Priorities and services maintained in Council-approved 2014 budget

Nov 1st, 2013 by Willie Hines

The 2014 amended city budget approved today by the Milwaukee Common Council addresses key priorities and maintains quality city services at current levels.