Wauwatosa Police Chief, Mayor Discuss Protests And Mensah

WAUWATOSA, WI— Wauwatosa Police Chief Barry Weber and Mayor Dennis McBride fielded questions from the media virtually on Monday regarding the five days of protests and unrest in Wauwatosa following the Milwaukee County District Attorney's decision to not charge Joseph Mensah in a fatal police shooting.

Around 65 people were arrested over the past five days for mostly curfew violations and others with felony violations.

Protests and unrest followed the Oct. 7 news that Mensah, who is currently suspended from the force, will not face charges in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Alvin Cole at the Mayfair Mall in February. Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm made the announcement after meeting with Cole's family and attorney.

A state of emergency and a curfew was imposed in the city of Wauwatosa that ended Monday.

Rumors had been circulating on social media accusing police of dropping off those who were arrested in different areas of Milwaukee.

"Often times when people are released they don't have transportation and will ask to be transported to a location," Weber said, addressing the rumors.

He added police just don't drop people off anywhere.

Another rumor said police were taking people's cell phones and not returning them. Weber said if a phone was kept it was due to evidence reasons and once the investigation is complete, the phone would be released.

Another issue was the use of tear gas and pepper balls which people questioned whether was an overreach on the part of the police. Weber said if people are going to throw things such as bottles or rocks, "We are going to respond with force to make sure that doesn't continue."

The Matter of Mensah

Although Mensah won't face charges, the Wauwatosa Police and Fire Commission is considering firing him. The commission asked an independent investigator, former U.S. Attorney Steven Biskupic, to look into a complaint filed by the family of one of the men killed in a police shooting involving Mensah.

Weber said Monday that he disagrees with Biskupic's recommendations because Mensah was found to have acted legally when he used deadly force in all three shooting deaths.

“I’ve never heard of any police officer ever being disciplined for something they may or may not do in the future," Weber said.

Weber said the report stated Mensah might do something in the future and Biskupic's report took issue with Mensah appearing on a radio show and making comments.

"Does it rise to a level of termination? Not with me. I might reprimand the guy and say not to do that again," Weber said.

Weber added Mensah’s been cleared by the district attorney in three different cases. "There’s been no reason to this point, and none that I can see, (for why) he should be removed from the force," Weber said.

McBride said the decision is now in the hands of the commissioners. He added he didn't want to put additional pressure on the police and fire commissioners.

“I’m not a police officer, I’m not a psychologist. I’m a mayor, I’m a lawyer. Those things don’t qualify me to judge (the) fitness of police officers,” McBride said.