Judge to reinstate ousted Milwaukee police chief in 45 days

Listen to this article

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A judge said Wednesday that he will reinstate ousted Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales to his post in 45 days unless Morales’ attorneys and the city settle their legal fight over his job.

“If you can’t get it settled within the 45 days, then my order goes into effect,” Foley said at the end of a 30-minute hearing, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. “Put him back in office, make him the chief and away we go.”

The city’s police commission demoted Morales to captain in August following turmoil over racial justice protests and complaints of distrust within the police department.

Morales chose to retire and sued for damages. Foley reversed the commission’s decision in December but didn’t issue further instructions. Morales’ attorneys have accused the city of dragging its feet on settlement negotiations and failing to abide by Foley’s order. City attorneys have argued that Morales’ retirement following his demotion prevented his reinstatement as chief.