Milwaukee mayor announces commission to examine police practices, strengthen community trust

MILWAUKEE— Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett announced Friday, June 5 the creation of a Commission on Police Accountability and Reform to examine police practices and strengthen community trust among law enforcement officers in every neighborhood in the city.

“The tragic events in recent days and the history of police violence in America underscore the critical need for the City of Milwaukee, and every city across the nation, to take specific actions to examine and transform America’s policing system. Far too many black lives have been lost,” said Mayor Barrett.

According to a news release, the Commission will:

The Commission will be tasked with engaging the entire community with special focus on the black community, including black males who face the highest risk of police violence.

The Commission will be required to complete its work within 90 days.

Mayor Barrett has also embraced the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance pledge to address police use of force in the City of Milwaukee. Alongside mayors, city councils and police oversight bodies across the nation, Mayor Barrett will work with the community to transform public safety practices.

My Brother’s Keeper Alliance is an initiative of the Obama Foundation that focuses on building safe and supporting communities for boys and young men of color where they feel valued and have clear pathways to opportunity. The City of Milwaukee is a member of My Brother’s Keeper Alliance and has been recognized for its efforts to advance black male achievement.