INTERNATIONAL UNION OF POLICE ASSOCIATIONS AFL-CIO

THE ONLY UNION FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

During the early morning hours of February 7th, 2023, Milwaukee Police Officer Peter E. Jerving was shot and killed while apprehending a robbery suspect, from a robbery that had occurred the day prior (February 6).

Ironically, on the day before the shooting, the suspect in that robbery, Terrell Thompson, 19, had been sentenced to 120 days; with that sentence stayed, and he released on probation by Milwaukee County Judge Christopher Dee – the result, tragedy came to the entirety of the Milwaukee community.

Far too often we see people released by the court only to continue their criminal activities. This was obviously and sadly the case with Thompson, who on the very day of his release, left the courtroom and committed a robbery.

It is far past time to hold those who choose to violate the law accountable and to remove them, even temporarily, from a law-abiding society. Perhaps the certainty of a period of incarceration will dissuade them from their criminal behavior. What is now being done is not working and the men and women who protect and serve our communities are paying the price – too often with their lives.

Our thoughts and prayer go out as we join our brothers and sisters in the Milwaukee Police Department in mourning this tragic loss.

Sam A. Cabral
International President