Title
From the Chief Human Resources Officer submitting an informational report on the January 28, 2021 Civil Service Commission action on the proposed rule change from the Milwaukee County Board for Rule VII (Separations; Suspensions), Section 4 (Causes for discharge, suspension or demotion and/or reevaluation) regarding the use of chokeholds and asphyxia by County employees. (INFORMATIONAL ONLY UNLESS OTHERWISE DIRECTED BY THE COMMITTEE)
Body
Issue
The Milwaukee County Board opposes the use of chokeholds and asphyxia by County employees to gain compliance from individuals when physical force is required. Personnel should use de-escalation techniques first, whenever possible. They requested the Civil Service Commission prohibit chokeholds and asphyxia in Rule VII, Section 4 of the Civil Service Rules for the Milwaukee County Government.
Background
On September 24, 2020, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors put forth a proposed rule change to Rule VII (Separations; Suspensions), Section 4 (Causes for discharge, suspension or demotion and/or reevaluation) regarding the use of chokeholds and asphyxia by County employees. The resolution requested the Chief Human Resources Officer bring the proposed change to the Civil Service Commission and report back to the County Board on the Commission’s actions.
Outcome
On January 28, 2021, the Civil Service Commission met, heard and deliberated on the rule change proposal from the Milwaukee County Board. By a vote of 5-0, the Civil Service Commission approved the rule change. The Department of Human Resources will be developing a communication plan to roll out the changes to all Milwaukee County departments and employees upon the posting of the changed rule in Municode.