FDL PD Won’t Send Officers To DNC Convention

Four Police departments, including Fond du Lac, have now informed the Milwaukee Police Department that they would no longer be sending officers to assist with the upcoming Democratic National Convention.

The Fond du Lac PD has joined with Franklin, Greendale, and West Allis PD’s who have announced their officers won’t join the more than 1,000 officers that were prepared to offer security to the convention, as a result of the Milwaukee PD’s decision to restrict the use of tear gas for crowd control. Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales said that neither tear gas nor pepper spray will be used to secure the convention, which will take place from Aug. 17-20.

In a press release, Fond du Lac Police Chief Bill Lamb said, “We regret having to do that. We respect the Fire and Police Commission’s decision. But in this particular case, we strongly disagree with the actions they’ve taken.”

Lamb said he expects more cities to drop out of the agreement in the coming weeks. Greendale Police Chief Ryan Rosenow said he was concerned that members of his department could be hurt if they were not allowed to use tear gas or pepper spray to clear crowds.