Milwaukee has an opportunity to usher in lasting change

For more than 70 days protesters have taken to the streets of Milwaukee and cities across the globe demanding police reform in the wake of the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minnesota police officer.

This week some unique things have occurred in Milwaukee. The Police Chief has been removed, an interim Chief has been sworn in, a new Chair of the Fire & Police Commission (FPC) has been selected, and the search for a new FPC Executive Director has begun. As the demands for transparency, accountability, and change in everything from training to funding in the police department grows, we must recognize this moment for evolution.

A thorough and transparent process that is inclusive of the community has to be utilized to ultimately select leadership for the department and its oversight body as each will assist in ushering in the transformation the community is demanding and we all know is necessary.

In addition, now is the time the Mayor should exercise his ability to add more members to the FPC (which currently has 7 members but state law allows for 9) affording the chance for a few more residents to be a part of the commission.

We must seize this opportunity to ensure community demands are addressed, and begin the healing this city is in need of through the process used and leadership selections made for these critical positions.