MILWAUKEE — Mayor Tom Barrett held a conference call on Zoom Thursday night after Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales was demoted to Captain by the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission.
During that call, Barrett said he was angry with the decision and said, “Chief Morales should have been given an opportunity to respond.”
However, Barrett also stated that he understands where the frustration is coming from regarding Morales.
Over a month ago, the FPC issued 11 directives to Morales. Barrett said he was frustrated with the lack of effort he saw from Morales when it came to addressing those directives.
Prior to the FPC meeting, the mayor wrote a letter to the FPC asking that they do two things. The first was to choose new leadership within the FPC.
“I felt that that was an important step, and I am pleased that they took that step,” said Barrett.
The other request Barrett made was for the FPC to review the directives they had given Morales. When that didn’t happen, the mayor said he was upset.
“The discussion surrounding this decision was completely lacking transparency,” said Barrett.
Now, the assistant chief is going to be sworn in as chief. Mayor Barrett said he will be working with the new acting chief to “make sure we are doing everything we can to reduce crime.”
Barrett also stated that he will do what he can to restore the transparency within this process.
