WAUWATOSA- Speaking for the first time since the Milwaukee County District Attorney cleared Wauwatosa Police Officer Joseph Mensah of any wrongdoing in the shooting death of Alvin Cole, the Wauwatosa PD is providing an update on the ongoing protests.
Police Chief Barry Weber and Mayor Dennis McBride addressed the shooting of Cole, the protests that have taken place in Wauwatosa since last Wednesday as well as the future of Officer Mensah’s employment with Wauwatosa PD.
As for the latter, Mayor McBride said that Mensah’s employment with WPD is not at risk, but the 5th year officer will remain on paid leave while an investigation by the Police and Fire Commission continues.
Chief Weber added that members of his department will undergo further training that includes de-escalation methods as well as anti-implicit bias courses.
Mehah shot and killed the 17 year-old in February after he was called to the area of Mayfair Mall because of a disturbance. Police say Cole was in possession of a handgun at the time of the shooting.
Over the past six days, more than 40 people have been arrested, many of whom were taken into custody and fined for breaking the city’s mandatory 7pm to 6am curfew.
You can view this morning’s press conference below. Video provided courtesy of TMJ4 News.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=803175417165950&ref=search