The U.S. Justice Department will hold a community hearing in Milwaukee on Thursday night as part of a collaborative effort to improve the city’s police department.
Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn requested the Justice Department’s review. He did so amid concerns from members of the African-American community over several cases, including an officer’s fatal shooting of an unarmed black man, Dontre Hamilton.
African-American city leaders are urging citizens to testify at the federal hearing.
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Alderwoman Milele Coggs said she recognizes the review isn’t the more comprehensive investigation some people wanted.
“But we also know is the power of the people and we are a believer if citizens participate in this process with the Department of Justice, there is a true opportunity for there to be some corrective action and change,” said Coggs.
Officials with the Justice Department said they’re conducting a thorough, independent and objective assessment of the Milwaukee Police Department.
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