Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission Regular Meeting – May 21, 2026

The Fire and Police Commission (FPC) held its regular session on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 5:32 p.m. in City Hall Room 301-B. Six commissioners were present (Spence, World-Patterson, Burgos, Spencer, Evans, Snyder); three were excused (Horwitz, Ramey, Fung). Vice Chair Bree Spencer chaired in the absence of Chair Miriam Horwitz. The meeting covered 18 agenda items, including public comment, consent agenda, a revised police sergeant job announcement, a duty-to-intervene SOP modification, a report on low-acuity calls, the 2025 vehicle pursuit report, and several personnel actions.

Consent Calendar

• Items 2–8 were adopted by general consent without debate: approval of May 7, 2026 meeting minutes; appointments to Helpdesk Specialist II (2), Police Services Specialist – Investigator, and Office Assistant III positions; and approval of Electronic Technician 1, 2, and 3 eligible lists for the Milwaukee Police Department.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Omar Barberena (Voces de la Frontera) expressed full support for the resolution to protect Milwaukee residents from aggressive ICE tactics, citing constitutional violations and public safety concerns.
• Tiffany Stark voiced frustration with the lack of communication from the common council (“the elders”) and the rejection of the commission’s unanimous vehicle pursuit motion. She called for more public input and criticized Act 12.
• Representative Ryan Clancy strongly supported the SOP modification, stating it is “beyond ridiculous” that such legislation is necessary. He criticized MPD Chief Norman for refusing to commit to enforcing state and local law against ICE violations, and he endorsed Substitute C.
• Ann Ritchey supported changing the SOP to apply the same duty-to-intervene standards to federal officers. She preferred Substitute B because it included a duty to investigate.
• Bruce Wiggins (728 E. Pleasant Street) supported the previous speakers and asked whether the resolution would protect voting rights (he was told it does not).
• Amy Donahue briefly added her support for an SOP to protect Milwaukee from ICE.
• Jim Carpenter (Peace Action co-chair) urged the commission to take a moral stand against ICE, citing alleged crimes by ICE and the kidnapping of Salah Sarsour. He asked that MPD protect all residents.
• Julie Hueller-Curcio (virtual) asked about MPD training tracking systems, record retention, and transparency regarding foreign training (e.g., Chief Norman’s trip to Israel). She requested that training concerns be added to a future FPC agenda.

Discussion Items

• Item 9 (Police Sergeant Job Announcement Bulletin): Moved before public comment. The executive director explained changes: reducing the continuous service requirement from seven to six years, and allowing officers with at least two years of detective experience to test with a minimum five years total service. The resolution was adopted unanimously by voice vote.
• Item 10 (Duty to Intervene SOP – Common Council File No. 251799): After extensive discussion, the commission voted to recommend Substitute C (the city attorney’s recommendation) to the Common Council. Substitute C removes the duty to investigate but retains the duty to intervene and report unreasonable uses of force, including by federal officers. The vote was 6–0. Alderman Brower committed to working with the city attorney on a separate SOP for investigations. Commissioner Spencer noted that existing investigatory rules already cover such matters.
• Item 11 (Low-Acuity Calls / Alternative Response): Assistant Chief Josh Parrish (MFD) presented a detailed overview of the Community Intervention Task Force (CITF) work, including Dr. Amy Watson’s report, the potential for telephonic/video response, and plans to integrate behavioral health clinicians. The item was held to the call of the chair (motion carried).
• Item 12 (2025 Vehicle Pursuit Report): The executive director summarized the report: 970 pursuits in 2025 (up from 957 in 2024), 76% due to reckless driving, nine fatalities (six third-party), and increasing speeds (70% over 75 mph). The report was placed on file.
• Item 13 (MPD SOP Changes – SOP 010 Absence): The change clarifies funeral leave verification and removes an optional holiday for civilian members (César Chávez Day). The communication was placed on file.
• Item 14 (Executive Director Report – Staffing and Operations): The report included updated citizen complaint categories. Placed on file.

Key Outcomes

• Item 9 (Sergeant Job Announcement): Adopted unanimously (6-0).
• Item 10 (Duty to Intervene SOP): Motion to recommend Substitute C carried 6-0. The recommendation will go to the Common Council’s Public Safety and Health Committee.
• Item 11 (Low-Acuity Calls): Held to the call of the chair (motion carried).
• Item 12 (Vehicle Pursuit Report): Placed on file.
• Item 13 (MPD SOP Changes): Placed on file.
• Item 14 (Executive Director Report): Placed on file.
• Item 15 (Emergency Communications Manager promotion – Hannah Lore Rodriguez): Approved 6-0.
• Item 16 (Seven Emergency Communications Officer II promotions): Approved 6-0.
• Item 17 (Crime Analyst II promotion – Caleb Belsiger): Approved 6-0.
• Item 18 (Probation extension for a Police Sergeant): Approved by voice vote.

The meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m.