Officer Joseph Mensah to resign from Wauwatosa Police Department

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Police Officer Joseph Mensah is resigning from the Wauwatosa Police Department effective Nov. 30, according to the city.

The Wauwatosa Common Council entered into a separation agreement on Nov. 17 between Joseph Mensah, the Wauwatosa Peace Officer’s Association, and the city of Wauwatosa.

Mensah has been involved in three deadly shootings over the course of five years, but has been cleared of any wrongdoing in each case. There have been numerous calls for the police department to fire him.  

The Police and Fire Commission had planned an initial hearing to take place in mid-December to determine if Mensah should be allowed to stay on the force. The city says they've asked the commission to meet "as soon as practical" to dismiss the charges pending against Officer Mensah, as he will no longer be an employee.

"Now is the time for all of us to come together and heal," said Mayor McBride. "We've made substantial progress during 2020, and in the coming year we'll continue to focus on positive change for our community. As before, I'm committed to working with the Common Council, the city's Equity and Inclusion Commission, and members of the public to make that happen."

“Joseph Mensah’s resignation is long overdue," said Kimberley Motley, attorney to the families of those killed by Mensah. "While we welcome the news, it is tragic that the Wauwatosa Police Department under Chief Weber’s leadership failed to address his shortcomings for years. It is time for new leadership in the Wauwatosa Police Department.  The families of Alvin Cole, Jay Anderson, Jr. & Antonio Gonzales will continue to fight for justice.  We call on the city of Wauwatosa to immediately fully disclose the terms of its agreement with Joseph Mensah to the public.”