Former Wisconsin officer cleared in 3 shootings now a deputy

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press


Jan. 26, 2021
Updated: Jan. 26, 2021 4:53 p.m.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A police officer in a Milwaukee suburb who resigned after being involved in his third fatal shooting in five years has been hired as a sheriff's deputy.

Joseph Mensah was hired in Waukesha County after an extensive review that found his use of force was proper in all three shootings, Sheriff Eric Severson said Tuesday.

Mensah, then a Wauwatosa police officer, was cleared in October in the death of Alvin Cole, a Black 17-year-old whom Mensah shot Feb. 2 outside Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa after police responded to a reported disturbance. Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm said evidence showed Cole fled from officers with a stolen handgun, fired a shot and refused commands to drop the gun.

Cole’s death sparked periodic protests in Wauwatosa, including after the decision not to charge Mensah, who is Black. Though Chief Barry Weber said there was no reason to fire him, Mensah resigned a month after Chisholm declined to charge the officer.

Read more: https://www.chron.com/news/article/Former-Wisconsin-officer-cleared-in-3-shootings-15899796.php

[abqtommy]

1. The law enforcement unions are too strong and too corrupt. Maybe cutting off their financial

support would help...

[Marcuse]

2. US needs a "National Do Not Hire" ex-police list like the UK.

[OldBaldy1701E]

3. True

but there are plenty of law enforcement agencies who would see this as a 'DO Hire' list.

[EX500rider]

4. If his use of force was deemed proper in all 3 cases why would he be a "do not hire"?

Is he supposed to let fleeing felons just shoot at him while waving back or what?

[Marcuse]

5. The US truly needs a list of fired police officers. Mensah would not be on it.