New acting chief will provide stability and leadership

The move by the Fire and Police Commission on Thursday to name Assistant Chief Jeffrey Norman as the next acting chief of the Milwaukee Police Department (effective December 23rd) has my full and enthusiastic support.

Appointed Acting Chief Norman has been a bright light on MPD’s Command Staff for many years, and when he was part of the initial group of chief candidates I was pleased to see him there, and he was my pick from the beginning.

I share the same views of support that have already been expressed (yesterday) for appointed Acting Chief Norman by my colleagues, Alderman Bob Bauman and Alderman Michael Murphy. I also believe that it makes sense to end the current police chief hiring process and allow Acting Chief Norman to demonstrate over a set period of time if he is up to the task of leading the department. I believe he has the leadership skills and the experience to do just that.

Although a judge late yesterday struck down the FPC’s demotion of former Chief Alfonso Morales to captain (stating that he should be restored as chief), I believe that matter will ultimately be settled in court, and we will have an acting chief in place for some time (possibly several months).

Appointed Acting Chief Norman has worked as an attorney and lives in Milwaukee, and knows the community well. He’s served as a dedicated officer and as a commander, with the community in mind.

I know incoming Acting Chief Norman is already respected by many across Milwaukee, and in my opinion he’s the best man for the job.

Let’s let him prove that he has what it takes to lead the MPD into this new decade.