Compiled by MCJ Staff
Alderman Mike McGee, Jr. has asked Milwaukee Police Chief Nannette Hegerty to transfer two police officers from a district where they were involved in separate shootings of northside citizens.

McGee wants the officers transferred from the districts were the shootings took place, saying their continued presence in the area where the shootings occurred is disrespectful to residents.

The alderman also questioned the lack of visibility of police squad cars in an area where he and his Rapid Response Team were patrolling between 8 p.m. and 11:30 a.m.

In a letter to Chief Hegerty, McGee questioned a department policy that would allow Milwaukee Police officers Craig Nawotka and Jacob Knight (both working at the 5th District Precinct) to serve in the same district where they were involved in the shooting deaths.

McGee learned of Nawotka’s presence in the district during an assault and robbery outside his district office, one of the officers responding to the call was Nawotka, who was involved in the shooting of Justin Fields in March of 2003.

McGee said he had received calls that Officer Knight, who was involved in the shooting death of Robert Agnew in November of 2005, was allegedly intimidating witnesses who were set to appear at the inquest hearing on the shooting.

McGee claims Knight was issuing tickets to a constituent whom reportedly witnessed the shooting and park in front of the witness’s place of employment.

"I find it altogether disrespectful for officers who have been involved in shooting incidents of this magnitude to continue serving in the very areas these incidents occurred," McGee wrote.

Another area of concern the alderman had was the lack of visible police patrols in the area of 7th and Melvina, to Capitol Drive, and from 2nd Street.

"During the patrol, we did not see one squad car," McGee reported. "I find it troubling given the fact that the area a young girl was recently gang-raped. I understand that your resources are stretched, but the citizens expect to see squads at least once in a four hour period."

McGee said he expected Hegerty to "take accountability for the emotional and psychological stability of residents as you formulate policy that may have negative ramifications for them.

"Given the relatively unstable environment with police and community relations, the situation at hand is only going to exacerbate the community’s negative perception of the police department."