Last week, while the Milwaukee Police Department was busy firing tear gas at peaceful protesters and taking lemons water bottles and making lemonade Molotov cocktails, Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales compared police officers to—who else?—Jesus Christ. “Two thousand years ago, an angry mob came before people to say crucify that man,” Morales said during a press conference. “That man, being Jesus Christ. […] Law enforcement is being crucified.”
Okay then. Want to share your thoughts on Morales? Well, it just so happens the chief is due for a six-month performance review, and the Milwaukee Fire & Police Commission is asking for YOUR comments.
According to a Facebook post from the Fire & Police Commission:
DEADLINE EXTENSION ANNOUNCEMENT:
Executive Director Aldrete announced today in the Public Safety & Health Committee, the deadline is extended until June 12 for community to submit feedback regarding Police Chief Morales’ six-month review.
Email: [email protected]
Also, according to a press release from members of the Milwaukee Common Council:
Please go to the FPC website at https://city.milwaukee.gov/fpc/About/Board-of-Commissioners/Meet-the-Commissoners.htm#.Xte4BSVOnYU and reach out to the members of the Commission via email so that they can receive observations and information from the public that can help them in their review of Chief Morales.
Morales has been chief of police since February 2018. He initially served as interim chief following the retirement of chief Ed Flynn; in December 2019, Morales was sworn in as permanent chief for a full four-year term.
Here’s the full press release, signed by Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, and Alderman Khalif J. Rainey:
Let the Fire and Police Commission know how you feel about MPD Chief Alfonso Morales
Alfonso Morales, the Chief of the Milwaukee Police Department, will be having his performance review with the Fire and Police Commission later this month.
Chief Morales was not elected by the people (he was appointed to the position) but the decisions he makes and the manner in which he runs the Milwaukee Police Department have a significant impact on every neighborhood, every citizen, every institution, and every business in the City of Milwaukee. The Chief’s management style and decision-making have been apparent during the past week, which has seen protests and civil unrest erupt in the city in the wake of the mistreatment and homicide (on video) of George Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis Police.
Milwaukee Police have used tear gas, flash-bang devices and employed unique traffic and crowd control measures during these past several days. Police have also made numerous arrests for various offenses during this period, and Chief Morales has appeared at several news conferences (usually with the Mayor) to address current police and public safety issues.
To be clear, Chief Morales is the independent and ultimate commander of the Police Department, and he receives no input on day-to-day policing decisions from members of the Common Council. These decisions are his and his alone.
The performance review of the Chief is critical for our city and citizens have a role to play in it.
We strongly encourage residents to reach out to members of the Fire and Police Commission, who are the oversight body for Chief Morales and the MPD, to let them know about any issues, questions or concerns they have regarding Chief Morales. Whether they are concerns about the conduct of MPD officers, the overall policing strategy of the department, or what needs to be improved or could be done better – the voice and input of citizens is critical and is needed now more than ever.
Please go to the FPC website at https://city.milwaukee.gov/fpc/About/Board-of-Commissioners/Meet-the-Commissoners.htm#.Xte4BSVOnYU and reach out to the members of the Commission via email so that they can receive observations and information from the public that can help them in their review of Chief Morales.
Your input is welcome and it is vitally important!