MILWAUKEE, WI (Wisconsin Radio Network-WSAU) -- Rank-and-file state lawmakers say they're interested in working together to make changes to policing in Wisconsin. Governor Tony Evers released a series of legislative proposals last week that would ban choke holds, end no-knock warrants, and would require the state to collect new data in use-of-force cases involving police.
Representative Lakesha Meyers of Milwaukee chairs the Legislative Black Caucus. "We want to get back to real community policing, and having police intervene in serious cases only." Meyers added police reform doesn't mean less public safety. "I want it to be real, I want it to be active, I want it to be something that is sustaining for the people of the state."
Representative John Spiros of Marshfield is a former police officer and chairs the Assembly Criminal Justice Committee. He says Governor Tony Evers' proposal should be considered. "What really needs to happen is that we all need to come together. We need to put together something that's going to work for all of us. We need to keep our communities safe. We need to keep law enforcement safe."
It's unclear whether Republican legislative leaders have any interest in police reform legislation. Assembly speaker Robin Vos and senate majority leader Scott Fitzgerald haven't commented publicly.
Sprios and Meyers were on WISN's UpFront program on Sunday.