Investigator: Wauwatosa cop should be fired after shootings

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) — An independent investigator is recommending officials in a Milwaukee suburb fire a police officer who has shot and killed three people in the last five years.

In the report to the Wauwatosa Police and Fire Commission, Steve Biskupic states “the Wauwatosa Police and Fire Commission withhold such authorization and affirmatively remove Officer Mensah from Active Service."

“We’ve been saying that, and the families have between saying that for months and years, and we hope that the Fire and Police Commission also agrees with those findings," Kimberley Motley says. She is Alvin Cole's family attorney. 

Wauwatosa Police Officer Joseph Mensah has been involved in two other fatal shootings prior to Alvin Cole’s death. Those two cases were ruled justified. Officer Mensah shot and killed 17-year-old Cole on Feb. 2. Biskupic specifically looked into Cole's case at the request of the Wauwatosa Police and Fire Commission.

Biskupic's report also states, "the risk and ensuing consequences to the Wauwatosa Police Department and the city of Wauwatosa of a fourth shooting by this officer are too great for this commission to find otherwise.”

“I certainly think if you are going to hire an investigator to investigate this matter on your behalf that definitely you should take the recommendations into consideration," Motley said. 

“We will respect the district attorney’s decision whether we agree with it or not and will respect attorney Biskupic's decision today whether we agree with it or not," Wauwatosa Mayor Dennis McBride said. 

The report also reveals information in the Alvin Cole shooting that “Cole never fired at Officer Mensah or any other officer. Cole shot himself in the arm.”

The report comes as the Milwaukee County prosecutor is expected to announce whether Mensah will be charged in Cole's death.

CBS 58 reached out to the Milwaukee Police Association and the Wauwatosa Peace Officers Association. We have not heard back yet.