MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission did not reach a consensus on who should be the next chief of the city's police department Thursday.
But during two rounds of votes, two contenders emerged as the favorites. Three commissioners voted for candidate Malik Aziz, and three commissioners voted for candidate Hoyt Mahaley. Candidate Chris Davis did not get any votes during the FPC meeting Thursday evening.
During the second round of votes, the commissioners stuck with their initial choices. Commissioners now have a week to speak with the three candidates. The FPC will vote again on who should be Milwaukee's next police chief at a meeting on Dec. 10.
Acting Police Chief Michael Brunson will remain in his position until Dec. 23, when he retires from the department.
Mayor Tom Barrett said in a statement that he would have preferred a decision Thursday, writing that "what we’re seeing is the messiness of democracy in action."
"All three candidates were extremely strong. I’m going to have more conversations with the commissioners to get a better read on why they made the decision that they did. I do want to see us have a decision made soon," according to the mayor.
The vote comes after former Police Chief Alfonso Morales was demoted to captain by the FPC, over ongoing tensions between the body and the former chief, as well as allegations against Morales that he lied to the commission.
Morales' lawyer has since called for Morales to be reinstated to his position as chief, arguing the chief was not given due process.
Attorneys for the City of Milwaukee concluded on Nov. 16 that Morales did not receive due process in his demotion, and urged the Milwaukee County Court hearing Morales' petition to send the case back to the FPC for a full hearing.
That hearing has not been scheduled.
TMJ4's Shaun Gallagher interviewed each of the three finalists. You can read those stories here:
