Public Meeting Will Allow Residents To Weigh In On Milwaukee Police Department

The U.S. Justice Department will hold a community hearing in Milwaukee on Thursday night as part of a collaborative effort to improve the city’s police department.

Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn requested the Justice Department’s review. He did so amid concerns from members of the African-American community over several cases, including an officer’s fatal shooting of an unarmed black man, Dontre Hamilton.

African-American city leaders are urging citizens to testify at the federal hearing.

Alderwoman Milele Coggs said she recognizes the review isn’t the more comprehensive investigation some people wanted.

“But we also know is the power of the people and we are a believer if citizens participate in this process with the Department of Justice, there is a true opportunity for there to be some corrective action and change,” said Coggs.

Officials with the Justice Department said they’re conducting a thorough, independent and objective assessment of the Milwaukee Police Department.