Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission Regular Session – March 5, 2026
Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission Regular Session – March 5, 2026
The Fire and Police Commission of Milwaukee held its regular meeting on Thursday, March 5, 2026, commencing at 5:18 PM and adjourning at 8:36 PM. Commissioners present: Horwitz, Spence, World-Patterson, Burgos, Spencer, Evans, Snyder, and Fung. Commissioner Ramey was excused. The meeting featured extensive public comment (35 speakers) addressing concerns about automated license plate reader (ALPR/Flock) abuse, vehicle pursuit policies, and department transparency. Key actions included approval of consent items, referral of a resolution amending vehicle pursuit policy to committee, and placement of SOP changes on file.
Consent Calendar
- FPC212418 – Approved minutes of February 19, 2026.
- FPC212419 – Appointment to Maintenance Assistant, MPD.
- FPC212420 – Appointment to Police Services Specialist – Investigator, MPD.
- FPC212421 – Rescind appointment to Helpdesk Specialist II, MPD.
- FPC212425 – Referral to DER for examination/eligible list for Management Account – Senior, DEC.
- FPC212426 – Referral to DER for examinations/eligible lists for Electronic Technician 1-3, MPD.
- FPC212422 – Job Announcement Bulletin for Electronic Technician 1-3, MPD.
- FPC212423 – Job Announcement Bulletin for HVAC Maintenance Technician 1-3, MPD.
- FPC212424 – Emergency Vehicle Mechanic 3 eligible list, MFD. All consent items were adopted by general consent without debate.
Public Comments & Testimony
Thirty-five members of the public spoke, predominantly calling for the removal of Flock/ALPR surveillance technology and for stricter vehicle pursuit policies. Key themes and positions:
- Flock/ALPR Abuse: Numerous speakers (e.g., Kyle Weltan, Kaelyn Arlt, Mackenzie Arlt, Kaye Lafand, Zoe Gonzalez, Stevie, Ashley Dodger, Corey Tomasik, Aurelia Ceja, Robin Christiansen, Ben Slow, Kevin Sas-Perez, Chard Velasz, Arthur Bollis, Amanda Merkwae, Emilio De Torre, Paul F., Eleri Extence, Tiffany Stark, Heba Mohammad, Diego Garcia, Angela Lang, Hunter Raley, Ajak Johnson, Brian Verdin, Stephanie Connors, Israel Webb, Rheanna Henderson, Ron Jansen, Jeanne Lupo (virtual), Ruth Ehrgott (virtual), Julie Curcio (virtual)) expressed strong opposition to Flock and ALPR technology. They highlighted the case of former Officer Josue Ayala who used Flock to stalk a romantic partner and her ex (179 searches), arguing that MPD’s oversight failed. Many demanded cancellation of the Flock contract, removal of all cameras, and a ban on all ALPR technology. They cited cybersecurity vulnerabilities, data sharing with federal agencies (ICE), and lack of transparency. Several speakers referenced a study from Syracuse University showing ALPR misreads license plates 10% of the time, leading to wrongful arrests.
- Vehicle Pursuit Policy (SOP 660): Speakers (e.g., Alyssa Cole, Arthur Bollis, Rosie Garcia, Tiffany Stark, Paul F., Angela Lang) argued the proposed changes to SOP 660 do not go far enough. They urged that pursuits be allowed only in life-threatening emergencies, that all pursuit-related incidents be treated as critical incidents under SOP 575 (requiring video release to families within 48 hours and public within 15 days), and that MPD provide monthly/quarterly pursuit data. Some speakers, like Ruth Ehrgott (whose daughter was killed by a fleeing driver), argued for maintaining strong enforcement to deter reckless driving, emphasizing that the driver is responsible for danger.
- Transparency and Accountability: Multiple speakers called for a full audit of all Flock searches, public disclosure of pursuit data, and publication of lawsuit costs from pursuits. Emilio De Torre presented a list of questions about Flock access, oversight, and data sharing with fusion centers and federal agencies.
- Criticism of MPD Leadership: Several speakers (e.g., Ron Jansen, Hunter Raley, Israel Webb) criticized Chief Norman’s handling of Ayala’s misconduct, his trips to Israel, and his public statements defending Flock. They called for his removal and for the commission to use its authority to fire the chief for cause.
- Support for Technology: A few virtual speakers (Jeanne Lupo, Ruth Ehrgott, Julie Curcio) expressed support for responsible use of technology like traffic cameras and vehicle pursuits to deter reckless driving, arguing that policies should not incentivize fleeing.
Discussion Items
SOP 660 – Vehicle Pursuits and Emergency Vehicle Operations (Item 13)
- Commissioner Bree Spencer introduced a resolution recommending modifications to SOP 660. The key change: prohibiting initiation or continuation of a pursuit when the only known reason for the stop is an ordinance violation or misdemeanor (except for reckless driving as defined in SOP 660.20 sub-C, and misdemeanor shots-fired incidents). Spencer explained this incremental change aims to reduce post-stop reckless driving pursuits, which accounted for about 15% of pursuits in a 2023 sample. She acknowledged public calls for more restrictive policy but cautioned against sudden policy reversals that could lead to backlash.
- Discussion: Commissioners expressed support for moving towards a more restrictive policy but noted need for more data and public engagement. Commissioner Burgos shared personal experience investigating fatal pursuits and agreed on the need for stricter limits. Commissioner Snyder supported the incremental approach but noted additional demands from public concerning video release, data reporting, and lawsuit cost transparency. Chief Norman stated MPD’s confidence in recent changes and commitment to presenting more data; he mentioned ongoing procurement of mitigation technology (Haas Mobile Alert and Star Chase GPS).
- Outcome: The resolution was referred to the Oversight and Accountability Committee (motion by Spence, second by Fung, voice vote 8-0) for further discussion and refinement, with an expected return to the full commission in April 2026.
SOP/SOI Changes (Item 12)
- Assistant Chief Sarno presented updates to three policies: SOP 020 (jury duty, administrative), SOP 340 (uniforms, equipment, appearance), and SOI for federally controlled equipment. Changes to SOP 340 now explicitly prohibit facial coverings/masks for identity concealment, allowing them only for weather, disease prevention, or hazardous materials. The federally controlled equipment SOI was updated to include definitions for unmanned aircraft systems (drones), added requirements for common council approval before acquiring certain items (firearms, ammunition, explosives, pyrotechnics) via federal funds, and a new prohibition on transferring controlled equipment to non-law enforcement agencies.
- Commissioner Spencer asked about common council approval for items purchased with non-federal funds or asset forfeiture money; Assistant Chief Sarno clarified that only federally funded items require such approval. Commissioner Spencer also requested that SOIs be posted on MPD's website (Sarno said they were not currently there but would look into it). The communication was placed on file without objection.
Examinations (Item 11)
- FPC212427 – Emergency Communications Officer I Job Announcement Bulletin was approved (motion by Snyder, second by Spencer, roll call 8-0).
Department of Emergency Communications (Item 14)
- FPC212430 – Promotion of Janice Brown, Amy Pachowski, Charles Lockwood, and Ashley Dragger to Emergency Communications Officer V (the top dispatcher rank). Tony Bueno from DEC highlighted that these are the first ECO V promotions, recognizing extensive training and dual responsibilities as police/fire dispatchers. Approved by roll call (8-0).
Police Department Items (Items 15-18)
- FPC212431 – Appointment to Police Officer position for March 30, 2026, class. Approved by voice vote.
- FPC212432 – Extensions of probationary period for two Police Officers (due to leave of absence). Approved by voice vote.
- FPC212433 – Reappointment of a former recruit Police Officer who had failed a firearms qualification; MPD noted 100% success rate for reappointees. Approved by voice vote.
- FPC212434 – Reappointment of a former Police Officer. After closed session review, the commission voted to place the resolution on file (denying the request). Approved by voice vote.
Key Outcomes
- Consent agenda items (2-10) adopted by general consent.
- Resolution to modify SOP 660 (vehicle pursuits) referred to the Oversight and Accountability Committee for further development; next committee meeting March 24, 2026.
- SOP/SOI communications (item 12) placed on file; MPD will work to post SOIs online and provide uniform identification videos.
- Emergency Communications Officer V promotions (item 14) approved unanimously.
- Police Officer appointment (item 15), probation extensions (item 16), and former recruit reappointment (item 17) approved.
- Former Police Officer reappointment (item 18) denied (placed on file).
- Meeting adjourned at 8:36 PM.
Meeting Transcript
This is the March 5th, 2026 regular meeting of the Fire and Police Commission. Present are Commissioners Burgos, Evans, Fong, Schneider, Spence, Spencer, World Patterson, and myself, Commissioner Horowitz. Commissioner Ramey is excused. Also present are FPC Executive Director Leon Todd and Deputy Director Jay Pusek. Director, please proceed with the agenda. Thank you, Madam Chair. We will begin with item number one, public comment. For those who would like to speak and are here in person, please come up and sit at the front table when your name is called. If you are appearing virtually and have registered in advance to speak, please use the raise my hand feature in the webinar tools and then unmute yourself when called upon to speak. Each person will be given up to five minutes to speak, and we will begin with the people in person. The first individual for public comment is Alyssa Cole. Good evening. Okay. Thank you for allowing me to speak today. My name is Alyssa Cole, and I am part of the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racism and Political Repression. The FPC has outlined suggestions for policy changes to SOP 660. While these changes lessen the reason for officers to engage in vehicle pursuits, it does not go far enough. Vehicle pursuits are deadly, dangerous, and cause unnecessary risks to the community MPD is supposed to protect. The SOP needs to have the clear limit that vehicle pursuits can only occur in life-threatening emergencies. When pursuits do occur, they must adhere to SOP 575, releasing the footage to the public and families as outlined. MPD also needs to be more transparent. Residents deserve to see how NPD is spending our tax dollars. Having pursuit data for 2014 only become available in 2025 is unacceptable. And I just have short amount today, so thank you for your time. Thank you. Thank you. Good evening. Good evening. My name is Kyle Welton, and I reside at 133 North Jackson Street, apartment 429. I come before this body tonight because I'm deeply concerned about the lack of oversight that allowed a Milwaukee police officer the ability to track his romantic partner and her ex through flock safety. This officer logged into the system and searched for these individuals a total of 179 times. The reporting on this incident states the department's policy is that officers must list the reason for every search, including the case number and the law enforcement related purpose for the search, but Officer Ayala simply listed investigation each time and was granted access. While this conduct alone is chilling and disturbing, it is even more concerning when you consider the broader context. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Officer Ayala had been accused of dishonesty on the job. In 2022, a federal public defender wrote that Ayala had exaggerated so much in his testimony and reports that it almost seemed, quote, like a compulsion. Ayala had also been disciplined at least three times in Milwaukee as a result of internal investigations and came under investigation three additional times while working as an officer in Glendale, where he once repeatedly tasered a man during a drug arrest. Despite a pattern of dishonesty and misconduct, Officer Ayala was not placed on the Brady list until two months ago and was still provided access to a system that allowed him to electronically surveil his girlfriend and her ex with taxpayer-funded resources intended to protect the public. Officer Ayala has a deeply troubling pattern of conduct that makes it clear he cannot hold the public's trust in enforcing the law. And thankfully he resigned yesterday and he should be barred from ever holding office again. But his ability to access the flock system to surveil his girlfriend and her ex is the result of a systematic failure of oversight. If the department's policy requires that the officer list the reason for every search, including the case number and law enforcement related purpose for the search, how was it possible that Officer Ayala accessed it 179 times with just the simple phrase investigation? The advances in technology have given law enforcement incredibly powerful tools for criminal investigations that, as shown in this example, are also ripe for abuse. While it is the duty of each officer to uphold their oath to support the Constitution and abide by the law and department policies, it is the duty of the organization's leadership to create safeguards against such egregious misconduct that violates the civil liberties to which all Americans are entitled. Perhaps the most disturbing fact is that the department didn't catch this. One of the victims did. By using the website, have I been flocked.com, which posts audit logs from FLOC obtained through FOIA requests. Officer Ayala's conduct alone should have been grounds enough to ban him from accessing such a database. But clearly, there is no review of the searches being made by the department's leadership to ensure the officers aren't violating the Fourth Amendment with unreasonable searches. Policies without enforcement are merely suggestions. And MPD must do better to safeguard our constitutional rights.
openpublica.com