Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Police Leadership Reappointment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Milwaukee FPC holds consideration of Chief Jeffrey Norman’s reappointment, schedules community meetings
Summary
The Fire and Police Commission voted June 5 to hold a decision on reappointing Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman to a second four‑year term until its June 26 meeting and directed staff to host two community meetings on the city’s northwest and south sides.
The Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission on June 5 voted to hold consideration of a resolution to reappoint Chief Jeffrey Norman to a second four‑year term and directed staff to schedule two community meetings—one on the city’s northwest side and one on the south side—before a final vote at the commission’s June 26 meeting.
The move came after public comments in favor of Norman and a presentation by Commissioner Miriam Horowitz, who introduced the file and said reappointing Norman would provide “stability and continuity of leadership” at the Milwaukee Police Department. Horowitz told commissioners the chief was first named acting chief Dec. 17, 2020, and then appointed to a four‑year term beginning Nov. 15, 2021; that term expires Nov. 15, 2025. Horowitz said she and FPC executive director Leon Todd had asked Norman whether he would accept a second term and that he told them he would accept if an offer were extended.
Why it matters: Under state statute and city ordinance cited by the commission, the Fire and Police Commission is the appointing authority for the chief of police. Commissioners said scheduling community meetings and soliciting questions from local organizations will give residents a chance to hear the chief’s vision and provide input before the commission acts.
Public supporters spoke during the meeting’s public comment portion. Levi Stein, who identified himself as the leader of Friendship Circle Wisconsin, praised Norman’s engagement with youth and mental‑health initiatives, saying the chief “didn’t just speak at them, he connected with them” and that Norman’s work on suicide prevention and mental‑health programs had empowered young people. Community activist Vaughn Mays (identified in the record as affiliated with Team Conforce) also spoke in favor of Norman, saying the chief has invited and collaborated with community groups and that removing him now would “take a lot of steps back.”
Commissioners voiced general support for allowing public input before deciding. Commissioners Burgos, Evans, Ramey, Snyder and others said they supported the chief and looked forward to community feedback. Horowitz moved to hold the reappointment item to the FPC’s June 26 meeting to allow the two community meetings to be held; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.
The commission directed staff to schedule two meetings with both in‑person and virtual options and to reach out to relevant community organizations to solicit questions and comments that can inform the board’s future assessment of Norman’s performance. The item will return to the full commission on June 26 for a final vote.
