Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs has proposed new legislation that would require the Milwaukee Police Department to give a detailed inventory of their military-grade equipment.
The legislation would also require MPD to inform the common council of any military-grade purchases in the future. Military-grade equipment includes weapons and items for tactical use.
The news of this legislation comes after Alderman Nik Kovac opposed MPD's bids for a tactical gas delivery system, gas masks, and other equipment.
As of now, the Milwaukee Police Department is not required to inform the council of any military-grade purchases.
“We have seen questionable tactics used by Milwaukee Police during the recent protests against injustices, including smoke grenades to disperse peaceful protesters,” said Coggs. “In the spirit of transparency and accountability with the public, I believe it is important for the Council to be aware of the kinds of militaristic equipment that MPD is planning to purchase with taxpayer dollars."
