Read Wauwatosa Chief Letter Of Recommendation For Joseph Mensah

WAUWATOSA, WI—Wauwatosa Police released a recommendation letter from Wauwatosa Police Chief Barry Weber for one of his former police officers. Joseph Mensah, the former officer involved in three fatal police shootings, is now a deputy with the Waukesha County Sheriff's Office.

According to Wauwatosa Police, Mensah resigned in good standing on Nov. 30 and after his resignation, Mensah asked Chief Weber for a letter of recommendation as he applied for the position in Waukesha County, according to police.

"I am happy to recommend Joseph Mensah as a candidate for your department He was a member of the Wauwatosa Police Department for the last five years. During his tenure here, he proved himself to be an excellent police officer. He followed the rules, became a member of our Special Response Team, and received compliments from citizens that he interacted with.

Joseph is an articulate, thoughtful and intelligent man. He has good communication skills, was respected and had a positive relationship with his peers. He has been placed in some difficult situations and responded in a thoughtful and professional manner.

As you are aware, he was involved in three shooting incidents in our city. In each of them, he was confronted by a person who was armed and refused to put down their weapon. He was cleared in each incident, both by the District Attorney and by our own internal investigations.

I am disappointed that he is no longer a member of our department. He possesses the skills to be successful in law enforcement during the difficult times our profession faces. He will be a positive member in your organization should the decision be made to hire him."

Mensah fatally shot Jay Anderson Jr. at Madison Park in June 2016 after Mensah responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle parked there at about 3 a.m. Mensah reportedly found Anderson with a gun inside the car. Mensah fired and killed Anderson after fearing for his safety, authorities said. Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm said he would not bring any charges against Mensah.

Mensah also fatally shot Antonio Gonzalez in July 2015. He and fellow officer Jeffrey Newman encountered Gonzalez swinging a sword, which he refused to drop when ordered, authorities said. Both officers shot Gonzalez in what authorities later determined was self-defense. Prosecutors cleared both Mensah and Newman of criminal liability later in the year.

Mensah learned in early October that he would not face charges in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Alvin Cole at the Mayfair Mall last February.