police

Milwaukee’s Fire and Police Commission has been a model for cities looking for more civilian oversight of police and fire departments. But recently the commission has faced criticism over perceived scandals and missteps. Lake Effect talks with the commission new chair, Ed Fallone.

Milwaukee and its former police chief could finally part ways after a lengthy legal battle. The Milwaukee Common Council voted Tuesday to approve a $627,000 settlement with Alfonso Morales over his demotion last year. A federal lawsuit by the former chief over his ouster would be dropped as part of the agreement.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has gradually been unveiling his budget proposals on how to spend funds from the American Rescue Plan. Markasa Tucker from the African American Roundtable and Paul Vang from the Hmong American Women's Association do not want to see any of that money go towards the Milwaukee Police Department.

Ousted Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales has reached a tentative settlement with city officials over his demotion.

Milwaukee's police commission says it will reinstate ousted Chief Alfonso Morales on Monday. Morales retired in August after the commission demoted him following turmoil over racial justice protests and complaints of distrust within the department.

The state Senate has sent a bill that establishes a uniform use-of-force policy for Wisconsin to Gov. Tony Evers. Under the bill, police can use force based on the totality of a situation's circumstances, whether suspect is threatening officers or others and whether the suspect is resisting or fleeing.

A former Milwaukee Public Schools teacher is calling on police to release body camera footage of an altercation that left her injured and in handcuffs after school district staff accused her of trespassing at the district's office.

The Wisconsin Assembly has passed a Republican-backed bill that would penalize local governments that attempt to defund police. The bill passed Tuesday, which the Senate passed earlier this month, is expected to be vetoed by Gov. Tony Evers.

Gov. Tony Evers promises to sign bills banning chokeholds and making other policing changes passed by the state Assembly, while also calling on lawmakers to go farther to make law enforcement more accountable and transparent.

A new report by the Wisconsin Policy Forum is dissecting recent policy reforms at the Milwaukee Police Department and how they stack up to other cities.