Milwaukee Police Chief Morales returns July 15, FPC says

MILWAUKEE - Alfonso Morales will be reinstated as Milwaukee's chief of police on Thursday, July 15, the Fire and Police Commission stated in a news release on Friday afternoon, July 9.

According to the news release, all parties agreed to the change in date. Morales was initially expected to return on July 12. 

The July 12 date was an agreed-upon delay to a Milwaukee County judge's orders that Morales must return to work, unless a settlement was reached, by July 3. However, a high-level source told FOX6 News that settlement discussions are still taking place – some even happening Friday.

"There are a few people out there that have reached out, and may have expressed a little concern. But I think more have reached out to us in support of Chief Morales," said Dale Bormann, president of the Milwaukee Police Association.

City leaders and community activists have publicly advocated for Acting Chief Jeffrey Norman to become the permanent chief of police. His future with the department remains unknown at this time, pending Morales' return.

In a statement, MPD said it is not involved in the discussions and regardless of the outcome will continue its mission.

Attorney Franklyn Gimbel, who represents Morales, said he plans to speak on Monday.

In a brief statement earlier Friday, the FPC said: "The Milwaukee Police Department is managing significant internal and external challenges. The Fire and Police Commission is committed to working with Mr. Morales and the community to address these challenges and increase both safety and justice in Milwaukee."

A spokesman for the mayor said they have no comment on Morales returning beyond the statement made by the FPC. 

Morales still has a federal civil rights lawsuit filed against the city of Milwaukee for being demoted to captain by the FPC last August. The demotion was ruled illegal by a Milwaukee County judge because he was not given due process.

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The Fire and Police Commission released the following statement on Friday afternoon, July 9: 

On May 19, 2021, Wisconsin Circuit Court Judge Christopher Foley ordered that Alfonso Morales be reinstated as Chief of Police of the City of Milwaukee Police Department.  That reinstatement was subsequently stayed until July 12, 2021.

 Mr. Morales, the City of Milwaukee, and the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners have agreed to further extend Mr. Morales’ reinstatement from July 12, 2021 to July 15, 2021.  This extension has been agreed to so that Mr. Morales’ return date coincides with the next meeting of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, at which three new commissioners will begin their service on the FPC Board.