Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission

MPS Students Say School Police Are Policing More Than Crimes

Teens describe hall pass checks and discipline by officers as the district moves to tighten rules and oversight.

Use-of-Force Incidents at MPS Raise Concerns

6 incidents at northside schools ended in use of force by police.

Men Still Missing from Riverside Homeless Camp After Flooding

Nephew of missing Milwaukee man believes his uncle is now dead.

Sheriff Interested in Using Facial Recognition Technology

Sheriff's Office says it would not use technology for surveillance, but board considering guardrails. MPD also pursuing tech.

Supervisors Concerned About Facial Recognition Technology

Six supervisors support county policy with strict limits on use of technology.

Milwaukee Lobbies for Statewide Bonus Program to Hire More Cops

Rep. Bob Donovan champions Florida-style program to attract more officers.

Report Finds Issues with Milwaukee’s Fire & Police Commission

A 'rubber stamp' for police? Report comes as FPC power getting reduced.

Judge Borowski Gets On His High Horse

He blasts MPS for violating law on police in schools while glossing over it himself.

How Wisconsin’s Investigations Into Police Shootings Protect Officers

Milwaukee Area Investigative Team gives them privileges other suspects don't get.

Community Meeting for New FPC Appointee

Community Meeting for New FPC Appointee Krissie Fung To Be Held on Tuesday, January 28

City of Milwaukee Seeking Experienced Police Officers to Join the Milwaukee Police Department

Application deadline December 22, 2024

Arresting Developments: How and why arrests and citizen contacts are declining in Milwaukee

New City Sales Tax Compounds Challenge Recruiting Police and Fire Fighters

Under Act 12 Milwaukee could lose funding if it can't hire enough recruits.

Milwaukee Police Department Statement Regarding Video Release Policy

State Supreme Court Upholds Milwaukee Cop’s Firing Over Facebook Posts

Former officer Erik Andrade's posts mocked 2018 arrest of Bucks player Sterling Brown.

The Long Road To End Solitary Confinement in Wisconsin

"The hole" is torture on those confined to it argue opponents at legislative action day.

State Rep. Marisabel Cabrera Running for Circuit Court

Incumbent Judge Marshall Murray plans to retire at the end of his term.

Black City Residents Still More Likely to Be Stopped, Frisked by Police

Report finds Black drivers 4.5 times more likely to get stopped than white drivers.

Advocates Bemoan Fire & Police Commission’s Loss of Power

It means less power for citizens, less oversight of police, they say.

Milwaukee Police Chases At 20-Year High, Injuries and Deaths Have Followed

Milwaukee sees a surge in police pursuits in years since loosening policy to target reckless drivers.

Will Common Council Approve Sales Tax?

State deal requires two-thirds vote of council. Seven of 15 members have expressed concerns.

Why GOP Fears Advisory Referendums

Vernon County's vote against abortion ban helps explain local restrictions in revenue sharing bill.

State Sales Tax Deal Toughest on City

Deal for Milwaukee County far better than for city. Why? Blame police union.

Police Union Blasts Video Releases

Assails 'reckless' FPC rule requiring video of any critical incident released to victim’s family in 48 hours, to public in 15 days.

Joint Statement from the Mayor, FPC and MPD

Attorney Franklyn Gimbel Awarded “Witness to History” Award by the Milwaukee County Historical Society

Bree Spencer Added to Police-Fire Board

East Side resident works for national civil rights group, previously worked at Safe & Sound.

Fire and Police Commission Publishes its 2021 Annual Report

Fire and Police Commission to Hold Virtual Community Meeting for Consideration of the Reappointment of Fire Chief Aaron Lipski

Council Delays Adding Bree Spencer To Fire & Police Commission

Appointed by acting mayor, but some council members want time to meet with her.

Fire and Police Commission Extends Application Deadline for Police Officer Recruitment to Friday, April, 1, 2022

Fire and Police Commission to Hold Virtual Community Meeting for Consideration of the Reappointment of Fire Chief Aaron Lipski

Notice of Community Meeting for Appointee to the City of Milwaukee Board of Fire & Police Commissioners

Fire and Police Commission Policies and Standards Committee to Consider Policy Authorizing the Milwaukee Police Department to Tow Unregistered Vehicles Engaged in Reckless Driving

Bill Overrules Milwaukee’s No-Knock Ban

The 'search warrants have been demonized by the anti-police mob,’ says GOP legislator.

Bree Spencer Named To Fire & Police Commission

Acting Mayor Johnson makes his first appointment to police and fire oversight body.

Most Home Drug Searches By Police Use No-Knock Warrants

77% of all searches by MPD in 2019, report finds. First in a series.

Fire and Police Commission has more power than the State Legislature

City Must Pay Detective Who Assaulted Murder Suspect

Rodolfo Gomez was fired, went to prison and now he'll get a check for $335,772.

Wisconsin Police Departments Struggle With Officer Retention

City of Milwaukee lost 500 officers to retirement over past five years.

League of Women Voters Urges Milwaukee FPC Reforms, Community Safety Plan

October 5, 2021

Statement from Mayor Tom Barrett on the Collins Settlement Agreement Report:

Court Upholds Milwaukee Cop’s Firing

Erik A. Andrade was fired for racist and demeaning social media posts.

When Will We Get Reform of Police?

State government has done little, police union threatened us, but we’re still pushing for change.

Supervisor Goodwin Calls on Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission to Suspend Police Chief Search

Fire and Police Commission’s Statement Regarding the Date of Alfonso Morales’ Reinstatement as Chief of Police

City Agrees to Mediation With Morales

Former police chief could get hefty settlement. City hopes to retain acting chief Jeffrey Norman.

Activists Reflect on a Year of Protest

Police reform advocates discuss victories and challenges that remain.

Bill Would End ‘Municipal Shuffle’ of Police Officers

Legislation by Rep. Moore Omokunde would decertify police officers trying to avoid firing, investigation.

New Policies Incentivize City Residency for Milwaukee Police, Firefighters

Fire & Police Commission pushing for public safety departments that reflect the city they protect and serve.

Lipski Appointed Fire Chief For One Year

Fire & Police Commission could open up internal search process next year.

Barrett Backs Lipski For Fire Chief

Acting chief gains remarkably broad array of support for permanent fire chief.

Legislative Committee Reviews Policing Bills

Wanggaard, Taylor push legislation on use-of-force policies, chokeholds and whistleblower protections.

African American Roundtable Pushes For Change

Founded in 2012, advocates for voter education, $15 minimum wage, defunding police.

Bill Punishes Milwaukee, Madison

GOP bill backed by Lena Taylor gives police power in FPC disciplinary actions of cops.

Milwaukee FPC Bans All Chokeholds

Commission scraps policy allowing chokeholds in deadly force situations when "all other options and tactics" are exhausted.

Tearman Spencer Vs. City Hall

New City Attorney is quite public with his frustrations with those he is tasked with representing.

Suit By Morales Demands His Job Back

His attorney Frank Gimbel has made no progress with city negotiating financial settlement.

Police Chief Search Loses a Top Candidate

Malik Aziz will become police chief in Maryland. Will this benefit Acting Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman?

Council Wants Ann Wilson Off Fire & Police Commission

9-6 vote against her reappointment. But they lack the authority to remove her.

Council passes legislation creating the MPD Diversion Task Force

Statement of Alderwoman Chantia Lewis March 23, 2021

Acting Police Chief Offers Frank Views

"I’m a Black man first,” Norman tells panel. "I will not tolerate any explicit biases."

Committee moves forward key recommendations to tighten FPC records, protocols

Senate Bill Threatens FPC Independence

Police and fire fighter unions handed power over Fire & Police Commission disciplinary hearings.

Another Council Committee Opposes Wilson

Majority of council opposes Ann Wilson's reappointment to Fire & Police Commission.

A ‘Direct Threat to the Status Quo’

My journey to Fire and Police Commission has involved many threats and much support.

Mayor Tom Barrett released the following statement:

DeVougas Resigns From Fire & Police Commission

Attorney was subject of police video leak that resulted in ethics investigation.

FPC Members, City Attorney Blew Off Inspector General Interview Requests

Fallout and confusion from the Morales fiasco gets worse.

Attorney Didn’t Want Inspector General Report Made Public

Publication threatens the city's defense in Morales case argues Spencer.

Report Finds FPC Ignored City Attorney’s Advice

City Inspector General blames, adds more troubles for Fire & Police Commission.

Activists Demand Police Firings But Mayors Can’t

Barrett, McBride lament lack of control over police chief. Law insulates police from elected officials.

Our Workload Is “Through the Roof”

How the closing of south-side station impacts Milwaukee Fire Department.

FPC action to encourage residency for police officers and firefighters a positive for Milwaukee

Statement of Common Council President Cavalier Johnson January 22, 2021

City Attorney Issues Confidential Opinion Regarding Morales Demotion

Attorney has previously said commission denied Morales his due process rights.

Coggs Continues to Lead Push for Enhanced Trauma-Informed Care

Alderwoman pushes for standardization in referrals with hopes of preventing future crime.

Committee Rejects Ann Wilson’s FPC Reappointment

But even if council affirms rejection, Wilson could continue to serve.

Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office Completes FPC Background Investigation

Mayor Barrett Is Asleep At The Switch

His handling of Fire and Police Commission is just one example of increasingly negligent leadership.

We All Know What “ZIP Code” is Code For

From Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderman Jóse G. Pérez and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II,

Ald. Coggs introduces file to seek information on lawsuit filed by former MPD chief

File also seeks information on the status of the search/hiring process for new chief

Why So Many Police Chiefs?

Milwaukee's police leadership has become a surreal version of musical chairs. What’s going on?

Barrett Sticks With Ann Wilson for FPC

Reappointing her to Fire & Police Commission though she backed its reckless decision to demote Chief Morales.

Morales Prepared to File Federal Lawsuit

Ousted Milwaukee police chief seeks damages, potential return to his position.

People’s Revolution Marks 200 Days of Protest

Protests against police brutality match the record of 1960's open housing marchers.

Joint statement on the nomination of Amanda Avalos to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners

Common Council President Cavalier Johnson and Public Safety and Health Committee Chair Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic

Avalos Confirmation On Hold Because of FPC Misstep

Committee voted for her without necessary background check.

New Use of Force Standard Operating Procedure Reflects Community Desires

Includes items from Eight Can’t Wait police practice reform campaign

New MPD Policy Bans Most Chokeholds, Adds “I Can’t Breathe” Rule

Changes reflect national "Eight Can't Wait" reform effort.

Commission Ties Again on Picking Milwaukee’s Next Police Chief

Mahaley or Aziz? Commission still can't decide.

Should Mayor Appoint Police and Fire Chiefs?

Council members think system is broken; many support change in state legislation.

Disallowing canines as use of force to go before PS & H Committee

Dysfunction at the FPC is disheartening and infuriating

Statement of Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa October 9, 2020

Search for Police Chief Goes National

5 of 6 candidates from outside Milwaukee. FPC to decide by December. Barrett will weigh in.

Firefighter Who Hung Black Doll Not Racist?

So says Fire Chief. Council members grill him. FPC will review case.

Joel Acevedo deserves justice

Statement of Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa September 3, 2020

Milwaukee Police Department Decides to Move Forward with the Internal Investigation of the Off-Duty Incident Involving Officer Michael Mattioli

MPD Chief Morales and FPC Chairman DeVougas deserve removal

Statement of Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa August 6, 2020

Milwaukee Police provide an Executive Overview of July 20, 2020 Milwaukee Fire & Police Commission Directives