Committee moves forward key recommendations to tighten FPC records, protocols

The Public Safety and Health Committee today recommended for approval legislation urging the Fire and Police Commission to adopt key system improvements to how it manages records and how it documents and communicates internal processes and policies.

The improvements – recommended after an audit by the Inspector General into the FPC’s disciplinary actions involving former Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales – were outlined in Council file #201504, sponsored by Alderman Cavalier Johnson and Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs. 

The file now goes to the full Common Council for a final vote on March 23.

Alderman Johnson said he was pleased by the work and diligence of those involved in the process, and believes the work will help to move the FPC forward in a positive way.

“I thank Inspector General Ronda Kohlheim for her thorough look into the matters that we identified, and in her excellent report that laid out key recommendations for the Fire and Police Commission to consider adopting as soon as possible,” Alderman Johnson said.

“I also thank FPC Executive Director (Leon) Todd for his willingness to embrace the recommendations, and for his work in fully assisting the Inspector General during the audit process,” he said. “She (IG) had many questions and he was forthright in trying to help answer each of them.”

Alderwoman Coggs said: “It is my sincere hope that the Fire and Police Commission will adopt these recommendations, and that they will help the FPC to operate with greater efficiency, effectiveness and transparency.”

The IG Report issued the following four recommendations to the Fire and Police Commission:

1. Revise, implement, and document comprehensive, well-defined Rules and Regulations of the Board of Fire and Police Commission specifically outlining each process.
2. Develop and implement records management procedures as guidance to promote consistent document and archival management controls.
3. Develop a systematic approach to managing records to ensure compliance with applicable requirements.
4. Establish and maintain a board information system that focuses on enlightened decision-making, stimulates participation and supports an appropriate balance of responsibility between the board, executive director and staff.

The full Council’s virtual meeting on March 23 will begin at 9 a.m. and will be televised live on the City Channel (channel 25 on Spectrum Cable and channel 99 on AT&T U-Verse in the City of Milwaukee) and via streaming video on the city website at city.milwaukee.gov/Channel25.

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.