Wauwatosa Police Department Reports High Turnover In Last Year

WAUWATOSA, WI — The Wauwatosa Police Department reported an "extraordinary" amount of turnover over the last year during an annual report last week.

The department said 17 employees have left for various reasons since May 2020 to June 2021. Some employees have left for retirements or resignations.

Wauwatosa Police Capt. Gary Gabrish said that a lot of members have left "for positive reasons, not exactly negative reasons," during a city meeting last Wednesday. He said that some members have found new jobs at other law enforcement agencies as well.

The department is authorized for 100 sworn staff members, but currently has 90 of those positions filled. Only 79 staff members are actively working; four are injured, one is on administrative duty, three are on family or medical leave, one is on military duty and two are in field training.

Interim Chief Luke Vetter said that the pandemic, civil unrest and many "critical incidents" brought challenges to the department last year.

The department has been under local and national scrutiny after a string of police shootings, followed by hundreds of days of protest. Clashes between protesters and law enforcement broke out after the district attorney's office decided not to charge former Wauwatosa Police Officer Joseph Mensah in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Alvin Cole. A mass shooting at the Mayfair Mall left eight people injured last November brought national attention to the city.

The Wauwatosa Police and Fire Commission named three candidates for its search for the next police chief Thursday. A list of finalists will be posted on the city website Thursday.