Public safety committee urges state law to require CPS to notify police of suspected child abuse

The West Allis public safety committee voted to endorse state legislation that would require Child Protective Services to notify law enforcement when threatened or suspected child abuse is reported.

Patrick Mitchell, chief of the West Allis Police Department, told the committee that many citizens assume CPS automatically notifies police when abuse is reported, but "that is not the case." He said the bill that the resolution recommends was introduced in the legislative session before the October death of Dante Campbell in the city and that the criminal complaint in that case references a July contact with Child Protective Services. "Law enforcement across the state fully supports being notified of suspected or threatened child abuse," Mitchell said, and he urged passage of the legislation.

Bob Linshaw, representing the health department, was identified as present alongside Chief Mitchell. Committee members asked whether current practice limits police notification to severe abuse or trafficking; Mitchell confirmed the legislation would expand what must be notified to law enforcement and said counties vary in how much they share. A committee member said it was "shocking" to learn the police had not been notified in a recent case and urged unified response so "no child should slip through the cracks."

After discussion a motion to approve the resolution was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. The public safety committee chair stated all five committee members were present.