Officer Who Punched Woman Is Not Reinstated

A white Milwaukee police officer who punched a handcuffed black woman after a traffic stop will not get his job back. The Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission voted this morning to reverse course.

Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn had fired officer Richard Schoen, after Schoen beat motorist Jeanine Tracy during an argument. earlier this month, the city’s Fire and Police Commission voted to reinstate Schoen.That touched off protests from city and community leaders.The commission met again today, and after deliberating behind closed doors, panel member Michael O’Hear announced to a crowded meeting room, “We have reached a unanimous decision that Richard Schoen be permanently discharged.”

O’Hear says the commission reconsidered its own rules as well as Schoen’s work record, character and the impact of the misconduct on the department, community and Jeanine Tracy.Tracy says she’s happy about the new ruling, but worries other police may now harass her.

“With all of this that done happen, I don’t want to think of that but it’s scary traveling with my child,” she says.

The Schoen case may not be over, as his attorney is claiming his client’s due process rights have been violated. But for now, Schoen’s firing is giving fresh hope to Maleen Jordan, whose nephew Derek Williams died in the back of a Milwaukee Police car.

“I’m sure there are coverups we plan on uncovering,” he says.

An inquest into Williams’ death will begin in February.