MPD confronts records backlogs

Interim chief says video adds to Open Records division workload

The Milwaukee Police Department has a backlog of open records requests and internal investigations after the previous chief left the agency “in shambles on almost every level,” according to the chairman of the city’s Fire and Police Commission.

Steven DeVougas, chairman of the civilian oversight board, said Interim Police Chief Alfonso Morales has uncovered backlogs, raised questions about how grant money was used and identified other possible problems in his first few weeks on the job.

The findings indicate “there was serious neglect” by former executive command staff members, including former Chief Edward Flynn, DeVougas said in an email.

The commission is reviewing the backlog of open records requests with guidance from the city attorney’s office, he said.

“We are suspecting that there may have been political rather than practical reasons for Chief Flynn’s decision to intervene,” DeVougas said.

Morales was appointed interim chief last month and has since undertaken a series of audits on the department’s operations.

Even before his appointment, Morales said he had reviewed a draft U.S. Department of Justice report that had pointed out several “deficiencies” in the agency.

Asked about DeVougas’ comments this week, Morales said the Open Records division has a backlog of about six weeks.

The division fulfills more than 27,000 requests annually, but in the first few months of this year, it has already had more than 5,000 requests, he said.

“The advent of video has added a tremendous workload to their responsibility as they have to watch each second of video that is requested for release,” Morales said in a statement released Thursday through a spokeswoman.

“The alternative would be to take more sworn officers or civilian members from other essential police functions and assign them to the unit, which would create an issue in itself.“

As far as Internal Affairs, Morales said he is reviewing the draft report “in efforts of improving the timeliness of investigations.”

A departmental audit about grants and where the funds were allocated is ongoing, he said.