Milwaukee FPC to discuss Chief Morales' future at meeting Monday

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission is scheduled to discuss Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales at a meeting on Monday, July 20.

The commission's agenda said it will "vote and issue directives" for Morales. The meaning of that is still unclear, but over the past few days, there have been calls to fire the chief, as well as supporters rallying around him.

For almost two months, the People's Revolution has hit the streets of Milwaukee demanding justice and law enforcement accountability.

"We've been out here for 52 days. Today is Day 52," said activist Khalil Coleman, during a protest at Hart Park on Sunday, July 19.

The protest group is now calling for Morales to be fired.

"We want a chief that's going to hold police officers accountable. That's going to be non-biased when it comes down to justice," Coleman told CBS 58.

The People's Revolution sent a letter to the FPC criticizing Morales for failing to terminate Officer Michael Mattioli, who was charged with killing Joel Acevedo while off duty.

"It's a crime if I did it, and it should be a crime if a police officer does it, too. And I think that's what people want to see when we talk about accountability," Coleman said.

Coleman also pointed to the increase in homicides and reckless driving as shortcomings in Morales' leadership.

CBS 58 spoke with the current and former heads of the Milwaukee Police Association this week. The union is backing Morales and is encouraging supporters on billboards and social media to call the FPC on his behalf.

Morales spoke on Saturday at a law enforcement ride for fallen officers.

"It (this event) comes at a time where the law enforcement profession has been under scrutiny and attack," Morales told the crowd. "It's impacting our frontline officers -- the men and women of policing that go out there everyday."

CBS 58 spoke with the current and former heads of the Milwaukee Police Association this week. The union is backing Morales and is encouraging supporters on billboards and social media to call the FPC on his behalf.

"I've never seen a chief that's a better chief than Chief Morales," said Shawn Lauda, the former president of the Milwaukee Police Association.

Morales was cheered on by law enforcement officers and supporters at the event Saturday.

"We're simply being criticized because a uniform that we wear," Morales said. "Thank you very much. Your support is extremely humbling, needed at a time where the morale needs to be picked up for our frontline."

The special FPC meeting is scheduled for Monday at 6 p.m.