MILWAUKEE, WI – The chief of the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) is reportedly facing criticism regarding a December 2025 trip to Israel where he attended a seminar focused on counterterrorism training.
Back in December, MPD Chief Jeffrey Norman reportedly attended a Homeland Security seminar which took place in Israel, with the focus of the aforesaid being about counterterrorism efforts and tactics which can be utilized by American law enforcement agencies.
While learning about and adopting best practices in the realm of counterterrorism wouldn’t seem like a controversial affair, some Milwaukee locals reportedly voiced their disdain toward Chief Norman’s attendance at the seminar largely due to the fact it took place in Israel.
During a Fire and Police Commission meeting held earlier in January, various Milwaukee residents who chimed in during the public comment portion of the meeting alleged Chief Norman’s attendance at the seminar was “shameful.”
Angie Lang, who reportedly represents an outfit dubbed Black Leaders Organizing for Communities, said during the meeting, “For this police chief in this political climate when there’s a genocide happening right now, to go learn tactics to further oppress our communities, is shameful.”
Another local, Krissie Fung, stated during the public meeting, “I called this trip unconscionable and I believe that with my chest. I think that for many Milwaukeeans this is not something they will ever forgive.”
While not issuing any form of an apology, Chief Norman did address the concerns voiced by his critics, highlighting the innocuous nature of the seminar that has been taking place since the fallout of 9/11 while emphasizing the benefits associated with staying up to date on methods to counteract potential acts of terrorism.
“In 2025, I was invited to participate in the Homeland Security Program in Israel, sponsored by the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA) and the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA),” Chief Norman stated, adding, “This program, established after 9/11, facilitates the exchange of best practices between U.S. law enforcement and leading counterterrorism experts.”
“Given today’s global security challenges, I viewed this as an important opportunity to learn strategies for preventing and responding to terrorism,” Chief Norman noted, further adding, “knowledge that ultimately enhances the safety of the entire community I serve.”
In Chief Norman’s closing sentiments in his issued statement, he voiced his appreciation for the feedback from his community, even if it was critical, adding that interacting with such criticisms is part of what makes a great leader.
“As a leader, I believe in lifelong learning. Every experience, including the feedback I received last night, is part of that journey. I want to assure you that your comments were heard and taken seriously,” the Milwaukee Police chief concluded.
Back in December, MPD Chief Jeffrey Norman reportedly attended a Homeland Security seminar which took place in Israel, with the focus of the aforesaid being about counterterrorism efforts and tactics which can be utilized by American law enforcement agencies.
While learning about and adopting best practices in the realm of counterterrorism wouldn’t seem like a controversial affair, some Milwaukee locals reportedly voiced their disdain toward Chief Norman’s attendance at the seminar largely due to the fact it took place in Israel.
During a Fire and Police Commission meeting held earlier in January, various Milwaukee residents who chimed in during the public comment portion of the meeting alleged Chief Norman’s attendance at the seminar was “shameful.”
Angie Lang, who reportedly represents an outfit dubbed Black Leaders Organizing for Communities, said during the meeting, “For this police chief in this political climate when there’s a genocide happening right now, to go learn tactics to further oppress our communities, is shameful.”
Another local, Krissie Fung, stated during the public meeting, “I called this trip unconscionable and I believe that with my chest. I think that for many Milwaukeeans this is not something they will ever forgive.”
While not issuing any form of an apology, Chief Norman did address the concerns voiced by his critics, highlighting the innocuous nature of the seminar that has been taking place since the fallout of 9/11 while emphasizing the benefits associated with staying up to date on methods to counteract potential acts of terrorism.
“In 2025, I was invited to participate in the Homeland Security Program in Israel, sponsored by the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA) and the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA),” Chief Norman stated, adding, “This program, established after 9/11, facilitates the exchange of best practices between U.S. law enforcement and leading counterterrorism experts.”
“Given today’s global security challenges, I viewed this as an important opportunity to learn strategies for preventing and responding to terrorism,” Chief Norman noted, further adding, “knowledge that ultimately enhances the safety of the entire community I serve.”
In Chief Norman’s closing sentiments in his issued statement, he voiced his appreciation for the feedback from his community, even if it was critical, adding that interacting with such criticisms is part of what makes a great leader.
“As a leader, I believe in lifelong learning. Every experience, including the feedback I received last night, is part of that journey. I want to assure you that your comments were heard and taken seriously,” the Milwaukee Police chief concluded.
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