"They ain't seen nothing yet:" David Clarke kicks off a new term as Milwaukee County Sheriff
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- There was a formal confirmation of office for Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke held on Friday, January 30th. The sheriff not only took the oath of office, he also laid out what you can expect from him in the next four years.
The sheriff's investiture ceremony at the War Memorial Center on Milwaukee's lakefront started with the expected pomp and circumstance. Clarke took the oath -- administered by State Supreme Court Justice Annette Ziegler -- as his wife, Julie held the Bible. Afterward, the 36-year veteran of law enforcement laid out his plans for the future. That includes taking a stand against what he calls the "soft on crime movement" in Milwaukee County. He has a message for supporters of it.
"They think I was a pain in the rear end before -- pardon my slang-- they ain't seen nothing yet," said Sheriff Clarke.
Clarke says he plans to fight for more resources to hire more deputies for the sheriff's office. It's an issue that has pitted him against Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele in the past.
Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke
"Tired officers are more prone to mistakes and have a shorter fuse which can lead to impatience with the public and puts strain on their own family life," said Clarke.
Clarke's investiture comes on the heels of his appearance on Capitol Hill during a confirmation hearing for Loretta Lynch. He took time there to blast the outgoing U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.
"If it was unflattering for the attorney general well, guess what, he made that bed with some of the stuff that he said," said Clarke. "And now he's got to lie in it."
Clarke hopes if Lynn is the next attorney general, there is a fresh start and better relations between the Department of Justice and local law enforcement.
"I remind people constantly that I'm not here to get along with people I believe are on the wrong track," said Clarke.
Clarke says he is willing to talk about things most people in elected office will never go near -- and that won't change in his fourth term in office.