This browser does not support the Video element.
Milwaukee FPC names 3 police chief finalists
The Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission on Thursday, Oct. 22 named its top three finalists for police chief, a position that has been filled by Acting Chief Michael Brunson since the summer.
MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission (FPC) announced Thursday, Oct. 22 the top three finalists for Milwaukee police chief: Malik Aziz, Chris Davis and Hoyt Mahaley.
Following private interviews on Monday, the FPC's Thursday announcement is the next step toward finding a permanent replacement for Alfonso Morales, who was demoted from his position as chief and later resigned.
The Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission's Top 3 finalists for Milwaukee police chief
While none of the remaining candidates currently live in the Milwaukee area, two do have ties to the city.
Mahaley, a current FBI agent, grew up in Milwaukee and served on the force in the 1990s. He said his experience will help him on goals of making the city safer, restoring trust and more.
"Yes, I am a law enforcement officer, but at the end of the day, I want to make the City of Milwaukee a better place to live. That's what I want to do," Mahaley said.
Milwaukee Police Department Administration Building
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Davis' wife is from Wisconsin. The Portland, Oregon deputy chief said the opportunity to get closer to family is great, but he sees a real opportunity to begin police reform from the top down, focused on community policing.
"I don't think that we should shrink from that opportunity to change," said Davis. "I think it's time for us to adapt and to evolve, and do a better job of serving the communities that we work in."
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android.
Aziz, the national chair and executive director of the National Black Police Association in a statement to FOX6 News said: "I'm looking forward to meeting and introducing myself to the great citizens of Milwaukee. I have a strong belief that together we can make Milwaukee an even greater American city."
The FPC said the three finalists will come to Milwaukee to take part in public interviews and meetings with public stakeholders before the chief is chosen in December.
The public is invited to send questions about the top three finalists to the FPC Offices via the FPC website and/or by emailing the general FPC email address at fpc@milwaukee.gov.
Michael Brunson has been serving as the Milwaukee Police Department's acting chief. Morales and his legal team have filed a brief asking for him to be reinstated as chief, claiming a lack of due process in the FPC's decision to demote him.
Statement from FPC Executive Director Griselda Aldrete:
"This is one of the most important positions in the City of Milwaukee, and the Board of Commissioners have identified three finalists who are most qualified to lead this critical agency during these pivotal times.
"Each finalist will participate in a public and rigorous community engagement process, which will be instrumental in the final hiring decision."
FPC information on its 3 chief finalists
Malik Aziz: Dallas Police Major was born and raised in Dallas and is currently the National Chair and Executive Director of the National Black Police Association and an instructor in Criminal Justice Police Leadership at DeSales University.
Chris Davis: Deputy Chief for the Portland Police Bureau and former Assistant Chief of operations, where he led three precincts, youth services and traffic divisions.
Hoyt Mahaley: FBI Supervisory Special Agent and former Police Officer for Milwaukee Police Department. He also attended Rufus King High School.
Milwaukee Alderman pushes to disallow K-9s as use of force
The police department plans to provide more data on the K-9 deployments during a future meeting.
Former MPD chief was denied due process, attorney says
"We did not see the outgrowth of their decision in the form of findings of fact and conclusions leading to support their decision of Chief Morales."