Sunday, November 25, 2007

Stop Paying Fired Officers

For the life of me I can’t figure out why this is controversial.

The Legislature this week will take up a long-stalled measure to change a state law that allows Milwaukee police officers to continue being paid after they’re fired.

At issue is a 27-year-old law unique to the state’s largest city that requires that fired police officers be paid until their appeals have been exhausted, which can take months or even years.

The law has come under fire as a slew of officers have been fired for crimes, including sexual assault, bribery and drug dealing. Three former officers - Jon Bartlett, Andrew Spengler and Daniel Masarik - will be sentenced in federal court Thursday for their role in the October 2004 beating of Frank Jude Jr., who was assaulted by off-duty officers as he was leaving a party at a Milwaukee cop’s home.

It’s unclear whether supporters of the police pay bill can win enough votes for passage in both the Senate and the Assembly or whether disputes over the scope of the measure will again lead to an impasse.

It’s so simple.  When you get fired, your employer should stop paying you - even if you are contesting the firing.  If you were wrongfully terminated, then your employer can pay you back wages.  That’s how it works for everyone else.  It’s how it should work for the Milwaukee Police Department. 

But common sense doesn’t really apply here.  Milwaukee’s police union wants to keep this neat little rip off of the taxpayers and the legislators who pander to the union are carrying their water to the floor of the legislature.  Maybe this can get done this time now that the union doesn’t have the Speaker in their pocket like last session.

(10) Comments
Posted by Owen at 0948 hrs
Politics + Politics - Wisconsin

  1. union doesn’t have the Speaker in their pocket like last session

    And what small government/free marketeer might that be?

    Kevin?

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on November 25, 2007 at 1107 hrs


  2. The Devil better buy some longjohns.  It looks like he’s in for a cold spell.  I actually agree with Owen.

    The union got this little bit of nonsense when Breier was running roughshod over the city.  He’s long gone now and this bit of nonsense is no longer needed.  But we’ve been saying this for years.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on November 25, 2007 at 1207 hrs


  3. John Gard was the Milwaukee police union’s best friend here, the best legislator money could buy. I’m still not optimistic this wrong will be righted. But there’s no reason why anyone who’s been fired should still be collecting pay.

    Posted by pdigaudio on November 25, 2007 at 1354 hrs


  4. Good gravy, I agree with you on something.

    Posted by hope on November 25, 2007 at 1534 hrs


  5. That law went in effect over T Thompson’s signature—also a fellow who can appreciate a fine contribution (or several.)

    Brier ran a cop shop the way it SHOULD be run.  But some babies and ninnie-winkles couldn’t take it, so they ran to Tommy and the (D) leggies.

    Posted by dad29 on November 25, 2007 at 1702 hrs


  6. Under a 1980 state law that applies only to Milwaukee, fired police officers receive full pay and benefits until their appeal is exhausted with the Fire and Police Commission.

    One of the most important things to remember in being a Dad is credibility.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on November 25, 2007 at 1749 hrs


  7. Problem with all of your logic is the MPD doesn’t operate like all other police depts. MPD command staff fires first, then investigates later. You’all should take heed of history here; paying fired officers until a fair investigation takes place is because of honest, decent legislators like Scott Jenson, John Gard, and Gov Thompson. None of you can EVER say they support police and be AGAINST paying officers until a fair investigation has been made. Shame on you’all.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on November 25, 2007 at 1942 hrs


  8. MPD command staff fires first, then investigates later.

    Some examples please

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on November 25, 2007 at 1954 hrs


  9. what a crock of BS!!!

    if you are really fired without cause, you’ll be reinstated
    WITH ALL BACK PAY!!!

    THIS IS A SCAM, NO ONE CAN JUSTIFY!!!

    OWEN CAN YOU GET PLEDGES ON THIS?

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on November 25, 2007 at 2018 hrs


  10. And as the rare city of Milwaukee taxpayer here, I also am delighted to find myself in agreement, for once, across the political spectrum on this.  Yes, please do go for pledges again on this!

    I am confident enough in 99 percent-plus of my fine police force in this city that they don’t need special treatment. 

    And if the changes suggested by my fine just-past police chief are put through for fixing the Fire and Police Commission to strengthen the hand of the incoming police chief and my fine mayor, all the better.

    Bottom line:  We simply cannot continue as we have, with yet another unfunded mandate on Milwaukee from the legislature—as this one rewards the bad apples and endangers the city and all those who visit us here.  Better that we use the ridiculous costs of paying fired cops for better purposes—like getting more good apples in the cop barrel, increasing their numbers and thus the safety of our city.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on November 25, 2007 at 2251 hrs


Commenting is not available in this channel entry.