Joseph Mensah

Lawsuit Over Police Officer’s Fatal Shooting of Alvin Cole Will Go to Trial

Judge Lynn Adelman rules that civil lawsuit over killing by former Tosa cop may go forward.

GOP Bill To Limit John Doe Cases Against Police Passes Legislature

Officers involved in shootings can currently face charges from judges after prosecutors decline.

GOP Bill Ends John Doe Cases Against Police Involved in Fatal Shootings

Law being 'abused' by vengeful families, activists, and lawyers, legislator says.

Chisholm Reflects on Time as Milwaukee’s Top Prosecutor

He has served for 17 years as DA, overseeing turbulent times in city's history.

Police Like GOP’s John Doe Bill, Victims’ Advocates Don’t

Proposal seeks to end investigations into officers who claim to have killed someone in self defense.

Drone Flights by Sheriff’s Office Declined in 2022

Drone flights tracking protestors in 2021 were criticized. Big decline since then.

Lawsuits Over Wauwatosa Curfew, Surveillance Move Forward

A federal judge will allow court to consider claims related to handling of 2020 protests.

Tosa Police Release Details on Non-Fatal Shooting of Teen

Some parallels with past shootings by police.

Alvin Cole Family Files Civil Rights Lawsuit Against Wauwatosa

Alvin Cole was killed in 2020 by former Wauwatosa police officer Joseph Mensah.

Tosa Protest Tickets Dismissed

Nearly two dozen tickets issued to police brutality protesters dismissed on appeal.

Special Prosecutors Won’t File Charges in Jay Anderson Killing

Prosecutors said they could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt a crime was committed.

Milwaukee officer accused of tuition reimbursement fraud resigns

Did Tosa Police Withhold Phone Data?

Jay Anderson killed by officer and police seized his cell phones, which may have ‘critical evidence,’ attorney charges.

Three Tosa Police Given Immunity in Jay Anderson Probe

"Unorthodox" decision in John Doe probe of Anderson’s killing by officer is questioned.

Special Prosecutors Appointed in Case Against Joseph Mensah

Judge ruled there is probable cause former Tosa cop committed homicide with a dangerous weapon.

Report Backs New State Law On Police Shootings

Prosecute them under civil rights law, argues former Republican US Attorney.

Bill Requires More Access to Police Records

Brostoff wants more access for media and public to investigative records.

Tosa Detective Who Labeled Mayor A ‘Higher Value Target’ Gets Promotion

Detective Joseph Lewandowski was promoted to sergeant.

Bill Would Prevent Police Job Hopping

Moore Omokunde notes research showing many fired officers get rehired elsewhere.

Tosa PD Created Protestor ‘Target List’

The department shared the list with other Law Enforcement Agencies.

Despite retirement, Dr. Howard Fuller’s Work Isn’t Over

The storied educator is still working with students, trying to make a difference in their lives.

Supervisor Clancy Applauds Probable Cause Decision in Death of Jay Anderson, Jr.

Rep. Bowen Statement on John Doe Charging Decision Against Joseph Mensah

Judge Yamahiro Decision A Win for Justice; Highlights Need for Meaningful Reform We've Championed.

Judge Finds Probable Cause Officer Mensah Committed Homicide

Ex-Wauwatosa cop Joseph Mensah fatally shot Jay Anderson Jr. In 2016.

Milwaukee National Lawyers Guild Applauds Charging Decision in the Murder of Jay Anderson

Tosa Police ‘Protestor List’ Includes Reporter

WE reporter Isiah Holmes on list, along with state Reps. David Bowen, Jonathan Brostoff and attorneys Kimberley Motley, Deja Vishny.

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.

Bullhorn Films Documents Protests

Local company has made 30 short films and two feature-length documentaries on metro area BLM protests.

Closing Arguments Delivered On Jay Anderson’s Killing

Attorney says former Tosa police officer should be charged with second degree reckless homicide.

Tosa Police Had Many ‘High Value Targets’

Including Mayor Dennis McBride, Rep. David Bowen, protest leaders, attorneys.

Tosa Police Chief Testifies About Mensah

In John Doe hearing Weber defends former officer's killing of Jay Anderson, Jr.

Body Cameras Key To Charges Against Police

Wisconsin families who've lost loved ones hope body camera footage can lead to justice.

Curfew Tickets During Protests Look Biased

Black residents hit by 64% of curfew violations during Milwaukee’s Spring 2020 protests.

Did DA Delay Mensah Decision Due To Kenosha Unrest?

Wauwatosa Police indicated in emails that the Kenosha unrest in August delayed the decision in Alvin Cole shooting.

300 Days of Black Lives Matters Protests

March in Wauwatosa also marks second day of John Doe probe of Jay Anderson’s killing by police officer.

Tosa Police Chief Will Testify in New Mensah Case

Jay Anderson's family asks judge to independently file charges.

Was Jay Anderson’s Killing Properly Investigated?

New probe raises questions about his shooting by former Tosa cop Joseph Mensah.

50 Plaintiffs Sue Wauwatosa

Lawsuit charges police responded to protests with "brutal, violent and unconstitutional tactics."

ACLU Calls for National Search for Tosa Police Chief

Police department 'must repair its relationship with many community members.’

Waukesha Faith Group Questions Mensah Hiring

Concerns over Waukesha Sheriff’s hiring of controversial Wauwatosa officer.

A New Era for Wauwatosa

Chief Weber retires after 30 years. City seeks new leader, faces troubling questions about Weber.

Activists Demand Police Firings But Mayors Can’t

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

Rep. Bowen Statement on One-Year Anniversary of the Killing of Alvin Cole

“Our Goal is ... Justice and Dignity”

About Those Phones Taken By Tosa Police

Why did they confiscate cell phones of BLM protesters and what did they do with them?

ACLU Blasts Waukesha Sheriff on Mensah Hiring

Undermines 'trust with the people' they serve and puts them at 'extraordinary risk.'

Mensah Now a Waukesha Sheriff’s Deputy

Wauwatosa Police officer who killed three people over five years hired by Waukesha County. Will be paid for both jobs through 2021.

Statement from the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office on Joseph Mensah Hiring

Wauwatosa Police Created ‘Protester List’

Some 40 on list, many sent multiple tickets, in 'attempt to silence’ critics of police, attorney charges.

Tosa Mayor Named As ‘Target’ By Police

Such action will 'drive a wedge" between police and people they serve, McBride warns.

Federal Officers Helped Patrol Tosa Protests

U.S. Attorney had promised federal Operation:Legend officers wouldn’t police protests.

People’s Revolution Marks 200 Days of Protest

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

Police Association Calls BLM Protesters ‘Terrorists’

International group with Wisconsin ties sends out research paper with false claims.

Police Taking Cell Phone Data at Issue

They’ve done it with Blacks Lives Matter protesters and in murder case now before state Supreme Court.

How We’ve Handled the Tosa Protests

More than 75 protests and lots of misunderstandings. How city officials have responded.

How Independent Are Police Shooting Investigations?

Emails raise questions about the rotating team of investigators known as the Milwaukee Area Investigative Team.

Tosa Police Found ‘Significant Training Issues’ in Shooting by Mensah

Chisholm recommended body cameras after Jay Anderson’s shooting but department stalled.

ACLU Blasts Tosa on Records Fees

Police considering high fees to discourage open record requests is a “red flag” of bad intentions.

Wauwatosa’s Identity Crisis

Is it a harbor for white nationalists or a place that cares about racial equity?

Tosa Police Use High Fees to Combat Open Records?

Email outlining policy 'a shocking admission of bad faith,' expert says.

Mensah Settlement Leaves Lawyers, Officials Squabbling

Attorneys arguing with city; police chief at odds with Common Council.

Mensah Drove 110 MPH in High-Speed Chase

Records show Wauwatosa cop involved in three shootings disciplined for car crashes.

‘MAGA’ Rally in Wauwatosa Gathers Hundreds

One day after Mayfair Mall shooting Trump supporters gather, including many with guns.

Resignation of Officer Joseph Mensah

Rep. Bowen Statement on Joseph Mensah Resignation from Wauwatosa Police Department

“This is Proof of the Power of Peaceful Protest and the People; But Work Remains”

Mensah Will Get $125,000 from Wauwatosa

Police officer gets his full salary, plus other payouts, through end of 2021. Hasn't worked since July.

Wauwatosa Cop Joseph Mensah Resigns

Effective November 30th. Controversial officer killed three people in five years. All ruled justified self-defense.

Wauwatosa Struggles With History of Racism

As the city grapples with policing, racial injustice looms over the conversation.

Wauwatosa Mayor Headlines Newsmaker Lunch Hour

A Stormy Week in Wauwatosa

Peaceful protest follows ugly police reaction with injuries to journalist and Alvin Cole’s mother.

Joint statement from Indivisible Tosa, Tosa Together, Tosa Moms Tackling Racism, and The People’s Revolution

Sheriff Opposes Further Budget Cuts

Proposed cut of just 2.7%. Sup. Clancy wants 25%, grills sheriff over protests and department spending.

National Lawyers Guild Condemns Wauwatosa Police Department’s Escalation of Violence Against Protestors and Use of Selective Policing

Supervisor Rolland calls for Wauwatosa leaders and neighbors to come back to the table and talk

Tosa Police Arrest Cole Family At Protest

Tracy Cole, Alvin Cole's mother, was sent to the hospital for injuries from her arrest.

Supervisor Rolland calls for Wauwatosa’s Police and Fire Commission to meet next week and begin weighing independent investigator’s report

Sup. Rolland: “If there was ever a time for community leaders to act with urgency, this is the time.”

Rep. Robyn Vining Responds to Milwaukee County DA Decision

Law Enforcement, Protesters Play Cat-Mouse Game After Mensah Decision

March from Downtown to Mayfair Mall blocked repeatedly by National Guard, Sheriffs, Police.

ACLU of Wisconsin Responds to Charging Decision in Fatal Shooting Of Alvin Cole

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley Statement on Officer Joseph Mensah Decision

District Attorney Won’t Charge Tosa Police Officer

Chisholm declines. But investigator hired by Wauwatosa recommends officer be fired.

Julian Bradley: Justice Prevails for Officer Joseph Mensah

Rep. Bowen Statement on Joseph Mensah Charging Decision

“I Am Not Surprised by This Miscarriage of Justice”

Statement from Mayor Dennis McBride

October 7, 2020

Investigator Recommends Mensah’s Termination

Officer who shot 17-year-old Alvin Cole “violated several policies,” Police & Fire Commission finds.

Crowley: Milwaukee County Courthouse, Safety Building, and Criminal Justice Facility to Close at 2:00 PM Today

Activists Criticize Tosa PD’s Protest Tactics

Protesters detail the use of spike strips, $1,300 tickets and racial profiling.

Tosa Police Union Head Assails Police Critics

Union leaders wants Tosa's social justice committee disbanded.

Tosa PD Won’t Investigate Racist Mailings

'Whites for Wauwatosa' letter does not rise to level of police action, PD says.

Lamar refuses billboard ads with Black Lives Matter content

Statement from members of the Milwaukee Common Council – Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Nik Kovac and Alderman José G. Pérez 

Tosa Police Arrest Peaceful Protester

30-minute video captures standoff between protesters and police.

Rep. Brostoff Statement on Rep. Bowen’s Integrity

Tosa Police Issue Gets More Heated

Other suburb’s police massing against protesters. Sensenbrenner, police chief, talk radio condemn protests.

Letter to Wauwatosa Mayor Dennis McBride Regarding Restoring Law and Order in the City

Bowen Says Officer Mensah Fired The Gun

Rep. Bowen disputes police account, says Mensah, not protestors, fired gun at officer's house.

Rep. Bowen Statement on Weekend Incident in Wauwatosa

“The Victim Narrative… is Totally Inaccurate, Irresponsible and False.”

Suspended Tosa Police Officer Reportedly Assaulted By Protesters

Officer Joseph Mensah's home was vandalized a large group of people says Wauwatosa PD

Statement from the Wauwatosa Police Department

Suburb’s Equity Leader Seeks ‘Good Trouble’

Wauwatosa Equity and Inclusion Commission chair Sean Lowe fights for change in the city.

March Honors Ernest Lacy, Died in MPD Custody in 1981

62nd day of marches honor Lacy, who would have turned 62 Tuesday.

State Law Allows Suspended Cops on Payroll

Sometimes for years. Grothman supported 2007 bill to add restrictions, which didn’t pass.

Tosa Officer That Killed Three People Suspended

Wauwatosa's Police and Fire Commission suspends officer Joseph Mensah.

Tosa Alderwoman Calls for Firing Officer

First official in Wauwatosa to support firing of Joseph Mensah, who was involved in three total shootings.

Tosa PD Protesters Issue List of Demands

Despite increasing pressure from police, protesters in Tosa continue to seek justice.

Activists Ratchet Up Pressure on Tosa PD

Jay-Z's Roc Nation calls for Mensah's firing, Tosa Police arrest protesters.

Tosa PD Getting New Body Cameras

Under pressure from activists, Wauwatosa Common Council approves new body cameras for department.

Families Honor Men Killed by Tosa Officer

On the anniversary of Jay Anderson, Jr.'s killing, a rally was held in Madison Park.

Protesters Demand Firing of Tosa Police Officer

The officer has killed three young men since 2015.

Cole Family Set to Deliver Complaints to Wauwatosa City Hall and the Police Department

Two Separate Marches Beginning at Each Location Will Join Forces at Mayfair Mall

Marchers Show Up Despite The Rain

Tropical storm doesn't stop three marches across the city, one with only cars.

Protest March Chants Those Killed by Tosa Police Officer

‘The Three’ Protest Targets Wauwatosa Cop

Grieving families say one Tosa officer involved in three fatal shooting in five years.