Kenosha County reviews emergency-readiness assessment as related 2020 unrest cases move slowly through courts

Attorney Sam Hall told the Kenosha County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday that three civil cases tied to the August 2020 unrest remain active while the county addresses recommendations in a new emergency-readiness assessment by Jensen Hughes. Hall said the county has filed motions for summary judgment in two cases and expects to file one in the larger consolidated case; he described the Jensen Hughes document as “an emergency readiness assessment. That is not the same as an after action review.” The Jensen Hughes assessment recommends clarifying Emergency Management Division (EMD) roles, encouraging more regular Emergency Operations Center (EOC) use, expanding direct public communications capacity, and doing more multi‑stakeholder tabletop exercises that include private‑sector partners, Hall said. Sheriff’s Office representatives told supervisors they are already addressing several recommendations. “Activation of the emergency operation center, it will take place when it’s appropriate and needed and without hesitation,” a Sheriff’s Office speaker said, and described steps including updated job descriptions, training, sign‑up systems for public alerts, and implementation of ReadyOp software for internal coordination. Supervisor Grady asked to be kept informed about EOC training and trial runs; the Sheriff’s Office speaker said the county can provide presentations and training so supervisors can see the EOC layout and participants. On litigation, Hall summarized three pending matters: a case by two journalists alleging injury from less‑lethal munitions (summary judgment filed and briefed), a case by Justin Blake alleging improper use of a restraint chair (summary judgment filed), and consolidated claims by the estates of Anthony Huber and Gaige Grosskreutz tied to the Kyle Rittenhouse shootings. Hall said discovery in the largest case is extensive and that expert disclosures and summary judgment briefing remain months away. Hall cautioned that because the update was given in open session he limited comments to information already publicly available but noted the litigation remains active and could require closed‑session discussion later. No formal county policy changes were announced that evening; the presentation introduced the assessment and signaled steps under way to implement or study its recommendations.