City Wanted Wauwatosa Police Officer Gone

WAUWATOSA, WI — Wauwatosa officials urged the city to transition a Wauwatosa police officer out of his role with the department "as quickly as possible" one day before a critical Police and Fire Commission meeting.

The Wauwatosa Police and Fire commissioners addressed a complaint and investigation into Joseph Mensah, the officer involved in three fatal police shootings in the last five years.

City officials said the Wauwatosa Common Council met Tuesday night in closed-session to discuss potential litigation strategies related to the Wauwatosa Police Department.

>> Joseph Mensah Suspended With Pay, Investigation Begins

When officials returned from the closed-door session, they issued the following statement:

“The City of Wauwatosa recognizes the community trauma regarding police officer-involved deaths in the City. There are strongly held differences of opinion within the community as to what should be done. Doing nothing is not an option.

"Each individual deserves due process under the law. There are legal limitations on what actions the City can take. It is imperative, however, for the interests of all parties that the City facilitate the transition of Officer Joseph Mensah from employment by the Wauwatosa Police Department.

"The Common Council has ordered the City Administrator and the Police Chief to effectuate such a change as quickly as possible. We ask all sides to allow that process to occur.”