Officials react to resignation of David Clarke as Milwaukee County Sheriff

"Milwaukee County's next sheriff should be someone who is focused on public safety and responsive to our community's needs by upholding the highest professional standards."

“David Clarke’s untimely departure as Milwaukee County Sheriff isn’t just a victory for Milwaukee, but for all of those whose rights and dignity were violated during his tenure. Joe Arpaio-like law enforcement figures like Clarke, who prioritize partisan fame over their constituents' safety, have no place in our local or federal government.

“Rather than being a valuable voice in the national conversation over the strained relationship between police and the communities they serve, Clarke allowed his appetite for the spotlight to erode his credibility and weaken his authority as sheriff. As too many of my constituents can attest to, he cared more about his office looking bad than doing good. Milwaukee County deserved better.

“Clearly, Clarke was incapable of serving the residents who elected him to office as was only interested in serving a constituency of one: himself. However, even in his absence, I will continue to push Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and the Justice Department to hold Clarke responsible for the lives destroyed under his watch like Terrill Thomas, Michael Madden, Kristina Fiebrink and Shadé Swayzer's newborn baby girl. In the meantime, I call on Governor Walker to appoint a sheriff who will take their job seriously, value compassion over condescension, and put people before politics.”

"This is truly a good Thursday. I want to thank Sheriff Clarke for his decision to step down. After years of abuse at his hands, the people of Milwaukee can sleep soundly tonight."

"I am pleased to learn of the resignation of David Clarke, who obviously no longer wanted to be Sheriff of Milwaukee County, and had lost touch with the people.

"Nevertheless, this news is bittersweet, as we are left with incomplete answers regarding what led to the massive failures in his jail.

"Sadly, the public may never get a full accounting from Clarke regarding his failures, which is why it is important for the legal system to take whatever action they deem appropriate."

"I have a deep and abiding commitment to this community, and I have the experience in law enforcement and public safety to be the next Milwaukee County Sheriff. That’s why I filed to be a candidate, why I’ve been campaigning across the community with my message of collaboration, integrity, and professionalism, and why dozens of community leaders are lining up with me.

"We will see what the process is going forward, but regardless, I will continue to be a candidate for a full term as Sheriff in 2018, and I look forward to earning the trust of Milwaukee County voters."