Wauwatosa Police And Fire Commission Next Steps

Press release from the City of Wauwatosa:

July 16, 2020

At the July 15, 2020 Board of Police and Fire Commission meeting, the Board named Former US Attorney Steven Biskupic to conduct an investigation into a complaint against Officer Joseph Mensah.

The purpose of the investigation is to provide a factual basis for the commission to determine if there is “just cause” (defined by state statute) for the commission to take disciplinary action against Officer Mensah.

Biskupic’s thorough investigation may take 60-90 days. After the investigation is complete, the Police and Fire Commission will receive a report. That will be followed by an evidentiary hearing at which the parties will be able to present evidence and introduce witness testimony. The scheduled evidentiary hearing may occur over a series of Police and Fire Commission meetings. These matters are handled by the Commission in a quasi-judicial fashion, so public comment is not a part of the process. It is, essentially, a trial.

We will continue to share updates about the milestones and future meetings.

The Police and Fire Commission suspended Officer Joseph Mensah at this meeting pending the completion of the investigation. As required by state law, this is a paid suspension.

This press release was produced by the City of Wauwatosa. The views expressed here are the author’s own.