Milwaukee police chief, Fire and Police Commission at odds over police pursuit policy; alders weigh in
CBS 58 MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The city’s police chief is at odds with the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission (FPC). The commission wants tighter rules on when officers can chase reckless drivers, but the chief says he’s not ready to change policy.
It’s a battle over how far police should go to stop those breaking the law.
“I get both sides of this argument. It’s a very difficult argument,” said Ald. Bob Bauman.
Ald. Brower
For the first time in nine years, the Milwaukee Police Department made major changes to its police pursuit policy that went into effect this January. Now, the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission says that’s not enough.
“The Fire and Police Commission should be the body of civilian oversight of the police department,” said Ald. Alex Brower.
The FPC called for the department to stop officers from chasing drivers for reckless driving "after an attempted traffic stop,” and to stop pursuits if the chase would "increase the danger to the public."
The push comes after a deadly 2025, when nine people were killed in police chases across Milwaukee.
In a letter sent last week, Police Chief Jeffrey Norman rejected those changes, writing, "MPD intends to maintain its current policy."
If the recommendation is sent to the Common Council and passes, those changes could be forced on the department, but the Common Council has not yet received a proposal.
Ald. Bauman
Ald. Mark Chambers, who sits on the Public Safety and Health Committee, told CBS 58 he stands with the police chief.
Not everyone agrees.
“I’m very keen, as a member of the Common Council, to support the work of the Fire and Police Commission,” said Brower.
Ald. Bauman says while he’s inclined to side with the police chief, he understands it’s a complicated issue.
“It’s obviously a safety concern. Innocent people have been hurt. On the other hand, we don’t want to give carte blanche to the criminal element, because once word gets out the police won't chase, why ever stop?” said Bauman.
It’s an issue the City Of Milwaukee continues to battle.
