Investigation Into Wauwatosa Cop Could Take Up To 3 Months

WAUWATOSA, WI — It could be between 60 and 90 days before officials in Wauwatosa know the results of an independent investigation involving a Wauwatosa police officer who was involved in three fatal police shootings over the past five years.

Wauwatosa Police and Fire commissioners voted Wednesday to accept a lengthy complaint against officer Joseph Mensah. The complaint was brought forward by attorney Kimberly Motley, who represents the family of Jay Anderson Jr. Mensah was involved in the fatal shooting of Anderson in 2016, and was later cleared of charges by Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm.

Mensah was also cleared of any charges in the shooting death of Antonio Gonzalez in 2015. A case involving the February police shooting death of Alvin Cole remains in the hands of Chisholm.

The complaint called for Mensah's dismissal from the department, a recommendation for criminal charges against the officer, a recommendation that Wauwatosa police officers be outfitted with body cameras, and several open records requests on incidents involving the police department in prior years.

Commissioners also voted Wednesday to hire Steven M. Biskupic from the law firm Biskupic & Jacobs, SC to conduct the investigation into the complaint. On Wednesday, commissioners voted to suspend Mensah with pay for the foreseeable future.

After the investigation is complete, the Police and Fire Commission will receive a report.

Commissioners said an evidentiary hearing will come next. At the hearing, attorneys representing Mensah and Anderson's family will be able to present evidence and introduce witness testimony.

Authorities said the hearing is a "quasi-judicial" process, and will not involve citizen comment.