FPC vote for new Milwaukee police chief ends in 3-3 tie, again
Updated: 6:25 p.m. on Dec. 10, 2020
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission voted on Milwaukee's new police chief for a second time in a week Thursday, Dec. 10, and the vote again resulted in a 3-3 tie.
The Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission again does not decide on picking a new Milwaukee Police Chief. The vote tonight was another 3-3 tie, just like last week. The acting chief’s remaining term is now less than two weeks
— Brendan Cullerton (@BCullerton) December 11, 2020
The votes were split between FBI Special Agent Hoyt Mahaley, and Dallas Police Major Malik Aziz.
“As we have not reached any type of agreement, in the best interest of time, this will be referred for January 7,” FPC Chairman Nathan Soler said.
The clock is ticking on the city. Acting Police Chief Michael Brunson's term ends Dec 23. The same day the vote took place, Aziz was named one of seven finalists for the Dallas police chief opening.
“If Milwaukee would have voted last week to make me their next police chief, my name would never have been released today for Dallas,” Aziz said.
Aziz said he will work for whichever of the two departments offers him the job first.
“If Dallas calls me and offers me a job as chief, I am going to be the police chief in Dallas.”
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has appointed a seventh commissioner and potential tie-breaking vote.
The appointment still needs approval from the Milwaukee Common Council. That could come as early as next week.
In a statement Thursday night, Mayor Barrett said:
“I appreciate how seriously the commission is taking this decision all while being transparent. Whether there is a seventh member or not, the current six committee members have a job to do and that’s to select Milwaukee’s next police chief. There will be consistent leadership at the Milwaukee Police Department while this decision is being made.”
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Posted: 11:33 a.m. on Dec. 10, 2020
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee could soon have a new police chief. The Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission (FPC) will hold another vote Thursday, Dec. 10. The first vote ended in a 3-3 tie between Hoyt Mahaley and Malik Aziz.
Mahaley is a former Milwaukee police officer with the FBI, and Aziz is a major with the Dallas Police Department. A third finalist -- Chris David from the Portland Police Department -- did not receive any votes and pulled himself from consideration.
"I would hope, like the vast majority of people in this city, I believe, you know that we come to a conclusion about who's going to be the next chief," said Milwaukee Common Council President Cavalier Johnson.
CBS 58 learned Aziz is also a finalist for the chief job for the Dallas Police Department. Sources in Dallas tell CBS 58 Aziz is one of the most well-liked and respected commanders in the department. As a finalist here in Milwaukee, he has received endorsements from the NAACP Milwaukee Branch, Forward Latino and other groups.
Mahaley has also received endorsements from several members of the community, activists and pastors. They like his local ties and experience with the FBI.
Results from a survey conducted by the FPC shows Mahaley winning the community vote; Aziz received the fewest votes.
If there is another tie Thursday, the chairman of the FPC says they will vote again in the future.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has appointed a seventh commissioner and potential tie-breaking vote. The appointment still needs approval from the Milwaukee Common Council. That could come as early as next week.
Milwaukee Common Council President Cavalier Johnson says while he hopes a decision is made Thursday night, there's something to be said about the commission's due diligence.
"They're talking to the candidates, taking the responsibilities seriously and not rushing through the process so that's good, but at the same time too, though, especially considering the fact that Acting Chief Brunson soon will be retiring, it's important to make sure we're keeping our eye on the ball and doing what we can to make sure that we have the next chief in place," Johnson said.
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. Stick with CBS 58 on air and online for updates.