Is Police Reform Possible in Milwaukee?
Other U.S. cities offer models for positive change
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During the past year Milwaukee protesters have taken to the streets to demand greater community oversight of police. Some of their signs specifically ask for a Civilian Police Accountability Council (CPAC). âPolice having their say and having full control over what they do is just not working at all,â says Omar Flores, co-founder of The Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (MAARPR). âSo, I think itâs about time that we listen to the people. Weâve got to do something different.â
The Milwaukee Allianceâs calls for an elected CPAC that would have the power to âhire, fire and discipline Milwaukee police, create the MPD budget and conduct independent investigations into police crimes,â according to their Facebook page. They would like to eliminate the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission, the present oversight board appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the common council.