Milwaukee Fire And Police Commission Executive Director Griselda Aldrete Seeks To Review SOP 453 That Regulates Officer Involved Deaths

Aldrete is seeking to review the Milwaukee Police Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 453, which deals with police officer involved deaths and other critical incidents.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

May 14, 2020

Milwaukee, WI - On Wednesday, Griselda Aldrete, the Executive Director for the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission announced that she is seeking to review the Milwaukee Police Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 453, which deals with police officer involved deaths and other critical incidents. The anticipated SOP 453 review request comes on the same day that suspended Milwaukee Police Officer Michael Mattioli, 32, was charged with one felony count for first-degree reckless homicide in connection with the April death of Joel Acevedo, 25, at a house party hosted by Mattioli. If convicted, Mattioli id facing up to 60 years in prison.

The purpose of SOP 453 is to define the meaning of a critical incident and an officer-involved death incident and establish standardized responses, roles, responsibilities, and processes that ensure a thorough and proper investigation. It is specifically created to ensure compliance with the requirements of 2013 WI Act 348 as cited in Wis. Stat. § 175.47.

Aldrete in a press release recommends a review of SOP 453 and also indicated that she has recommended for the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission Board to officially review the Milwaukee Police Department's Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 453 at the two (2) tentatively scheduled May meetings of the full Board, and the Policies & Standards Committee.

A Standard Operating Procedure commonly referred to as "SOP", are established directives and policies that are related to the core values and functions of the police department, and the disciplinary procedures contained within them.

"As the Executive Director, I am recommending to the Board, as the oversight entity of the Police Department, they move this item up in the review process and place this on the May 27th meeting agenda. While SOPs primarily govern on-duty conduct as a matter of state statute, greater clarity surrounding the facts of this event will inform the scope of the officer's activities on the evening in question and determine the applicability of SOP 453 to his conduct. 

Whatever the outcome of that fact-finding, 

now is the time to ensure that a strong, clear SOP regarding officer-involved deaths is reviewed thoroughly by the Board", says

Aldrete. 

The Executive Director of the Fire and Police Commission does not have the authority to place items on the agenda, cancel or schedule meetings; however, Aldrete provides guidance, recommendations, and coordination of Board operations.

Aldrete additionally stated, "The residents of the city are looking for transparency and trust in the process and I am committed to this and to ensure we are fulfilling our mission."