Aldermen: Settlement of ACLU stop and frisk policy lawsuit could cost Milwaukee $6 million

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee aldermen are weighing their options about how to settle a multi-million dollar lawsuit filed by the ACLU. 

The suit alleges Milwaukee police officers are disproportionately stopping and frisking black and Latino residents. 

The Committee agreed to table the issue about the settlement with the ACLU because they say $6 million is at stake and the City's finances are already strained. 

Aldermen will hold a special meeting within the next few weeks to further discuss the issue. As part of the proposed settlement, the ACLU is seeking $1.9 million in damages. They also want the city to work with a consulting firm for five years to fix issues within the police department. The estimated cost to the city is about $3.5 million. Aldermen say with interest, the amount the city may need to borrow could reach about $6 million. 

"This is a $6 million decision. I am hoping that council members would be willing to have that discussion and it seems like they are. And at the same time, give us a little breathing room about the impact of this decision opposed to the outcome they are looking for," said Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton. 

The Fire and Police Commission will hold a special meeting on Thursday to discuss the possible settlement. The trial date is set for May 21.