All residents should work hard to find ways we can get along

JULY 23, 1991: Milwaukee's introduction to Jeffrey Dahmer.

Sparks followed Green Bay Reserve Judge Robert Parins' recent ruling to reinstate former Milwaukee police officers Joseph Gabrish and John Balcerzak. Both officers had been fired after a May 27, 1991, encounter with Dahmer. Three officers were found guilty of failing to search Dahmer's apartment, among other things.

It's conceded that these officers made inexcusably poor decisions deserving reprimand and/or suspension.

The problem between the Milwaukee Police Department and central city citizenry is greater than officers Gabrish or Balcerzak. And the healing won't begin until both parties (MPD and the central city community) admit that they have a problem of discord, mistrust and bad blood.

Problems in MPD: During Harold A. Breier's reign as chief of police, the rapport between officers and civilians was limited.

When Robert J. Ziarnik took the helm, his main agenda appeared to be community relations. His era bestowed the promise of a more community- friendly department which brings us to current Milwaukee Police Chief Philip Arreola.

Central city problems: Residents pin their frustrations on a police department that appears insensitive to minority concerns and is condescending, intimidating and slow to respond. In turn, the residents historically have been uncooperative.

In the residents' defense, many do not understand police officers' risks and responsibilities. Nor are they versed in standard departmental procedures, due process and basic protocol.

Solutions: To promote interaction, I would encourage MPD to provide seminars for community leaders and organizational representatives to: (1) follow a recruit during academy training; (2) sit with a dispatcher and monitor incoming calls; (3) accompany a beat cop on a routine shift; (4) establish a ride-along program; and (5) follow a routine investigation.

The residents also need to redirect negative energy. They might provide empowerment training in civil rights and standard procedures and protocol. A fund-raising mechanism might be put in place to provide money for students who aspire to become attorneys, judges, mayors to assume the key positions for negotiating attitudinal and procedural changes.

Copyright 1995
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.