Milwaukee’s Fire and Police Commission said Friday it hasn’t received a single application in its search for a permanent Milwaukee police chief.
The job was posted 10 days ago and applicants still have three weeks before it closes. Some city leaders say there’s no need to worry about interest just yet, but the police association argues otherwise.
The FPC is looking locally and nationally for a new leader of Milwaukee’s police department. Police union president Dale Bormann said he isn’t surprised the search has not found qualified candidates just yet.
“I think a lot of the chiefs that are out there either from a smaller city or whatever, they’re comfortable where they’re at,” Bormann said. “They’re doing fine where they’re at and a lot of them don’t want to risk their job of coming here to Milwaukee and being booted out within a month or two.”
Back on August 6, Chief Alfonso Morales was demoted by the FPC. The next day, Assistant Chief Michael Brunson was sworn in as acting chief.
The FPC launches its search for a permanent chief on August 12. As of Friday, the board’s executive director said they haven’t received any applications.
“I’m not ready to press the panic button,” said Alderman Robert Bauman. “I know for a fact there will be applications.”
Bauman said he’s looking for a leader with a law enforcement background who’s willing to be held accountable and listen to the community’s concerns.
“From activists to the police union, they all have points of view,” Bauman said.
Bormann said whoever is named permanent chief needs to stand up for their officers.
“We need a police chief that’s not going to be a yes man or woman,” he said. “If you do that then the department’s going to go down the drain.”
The FPC requires applicants to have a least 10 years of law enforcement experience. The application process closes on September 11.
