Chief's Message & Command Staff

Letter from the Chief

On behalf of the men and women of the West Allis Police Department, I welcome you to our website. The members of the police department strive to work in partnership with the 60,000 citizens, community organizations, and business groups within West Allis. The department utilizes a data driven, problem solving approach to work cooperatively with residents on issues of common concern.

I hope you find that this website contains useful information, whether you are looking for information on department history, department bureaus, or information on how to request services from the department. I encourage you to read the past annual reports, which can be found in the “About the Department” tab.

It is my pleasure to serve as the Chief of the department and I pledge that department members will work in partnership with the community to prevent crime and issues of disorder.

Patrick Mitchell
Chief of Police

Chief Patrick Mitchell

Chief Mitchell has been the West Allis Police Chief since January of 2016 and currently leads the department which is comprised of 126 sworn staff and an additional 27 non-sworn staff.

From 2013 until 2016, Chief Mitchell served as the second in command with the Wisconsin Department of Justice - Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). DCI is a state-wide investigative agency tasked with investigating matters of statewide importance such as Officer Involved Death, Homicides, Drug Crimes, Arsons, and Internet Crimes Against Children.

Prior to serving with DCI, Chief Mitchell served with the Milwaukee Police Department for 27 years. Chief Mitchell’s final position with Milwaukee was as a direct report to the Chief of Police as the Assistant Chief of Police of the Criminal Investigation Bureau. During his tenure with Milwaukee, Chief Mitchell also served as the Commanding Officer of District 1, District 7, and the Professional Performance Division. Chief Mitchell has an extensive background in investigations having also served as a Detective and Lieutenant of Detectives.

Chief Mitchell holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Concordia University – Wisconsin.

Deputy Chief Robert Fletcher

Deputy Chief Robert Fletcher was sworn in as police officer with West Allis Police Department in 2003. Prior to joining the Police Department, Dep. Chief Fletcher served five and one half years as an Assistant District Attorney in Waukesha County. During that time, he served as the head of the District Attorney’s office Traffic Unit and as a prosecutor in the Domestic Violence Unit. Dep. Chief Fletcher began his career as a Patrol Officer (3rd shift) and was assigned to Police Administration in 2009 to assist with the Department’s accreditation process. He was appointed to the Accreditation Compliance Officer position in April of 2010. In 2011, he was promoted to Captain and assigned to Administration overseeing the Department’s grant programs, professional standards, and other administrative duties. In December of 2011, he was promoted to Deputy Chief of Police and assigned to oversee the Support Services Division.  In 2013, he was reassigned to oversee the Operations Division.  In January 2019, he was reassigned to oversee the Support Services Division.

Deputy Chief Fletcher earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in Criminology and Political Science, and his Law Degree from Marquette University. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin’s Certified Public Manager program. Dep. Chief Fletcher is a past Vice President of the West Allis-West Milwaukee Community Alliance Against Drugs. Dep. Chief Fletcher is committed to achieving and promoting professionalism in law enforcement, as such; he has served as an assessor and is currently an assessment team leader for the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group.

Deputy Chief Christopher Marks

Captain Christopher Marks began his career with the West Allis Police Department in 1998 with the Communications Bureau as a Police & Fire Dispatcher before his hire as a Patrol Officer in 1999. He was promoted to the rank of Detective in 2007 where he was assigned to the Special Investigations Unit. In 2012, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and assigned to oversee the Special Investigations Unit. In late 2012, he was promoted to the rank of Captain and assigned to the Patrol Commander position for 2nd shift. In 2013, he was assigned to the Patrol Commander position for 3rd Shift. In late 2015, he was assigned to the Training Bureau. In late December 2017, he was assigned to the Criminal Investigations Bureau.  In May 2020, he was promoted to Deputy Chief and assigned to the Operations Division.

Captain Marks has served the department through assignments with the Milwaukee High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area – Drug / Gang Task Force and the West Allis Police Department’s Crisis Response Unit, a Special Weapons and Tactics unit. Captain Marks earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Justice and Public Policy from Concordia University and is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.

Captain Steven Beyer

Captain Steve Beyer began his career in law enforcement with the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department in 1998 and began his career with the West Allis Police Department as a Patrol Officer (2nd shift) in 2000. He was promoted to the rank of Detective in 2008 and assigned to the Criminal Investigations Unit. In 2009, he was assigned to the Special Investigations Unit as a Detective. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2011 where he oversaw the Communications Unit. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in 2012 and assigned to the Administration where his duties included assisting the Chief of Police, overseeing policy and procedure development as well as accreditation, monitoring the budget, and managing grants and internal affairs. He was assigned to be Commander of the Special Weapons & Tactics (SWAT) Team between late 2014 and July 2016. In June 2016, Captain Beyer was assigned to the Administrative Services Bureau where he oversees the Communications Unit, Community Services Unit, Forensic & Technical Services Unit, and Records Unit.

Captain Beyer earned a Bachelor Degree in Criminology & Psychology from Marquette University and a Master’s Degree in Human Services (Leadership & Organizational Management) from Springfield College. He is a graduate of the Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command as well as the Wisconsin Certified Public Manager Program.

Captain Chad Evenson

Captain Chad Evenson began his career with the West Allis Police Department in 1997 and worked as a Patrol Officer (2nd shift).  He was appointed to Corporal and assigned to the Special Investigations Unit from 2002-2003. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2005 and assigned to Patrol (3rd shift). In 2011, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and assigned to oversee the Community Services Unit, including the School Resource Officers. In 2013, he was promoted the rank of Captain and assigned to the Patrol Commander position of 2nd shift. In June 2016, he was assigned to the Management & Planning Bureau where he oversees the Accreditation Unit and Court Services Unit. He is also responsible for policy development, grant management, monitoring of the budget, and internal affairs.

Captain Evenson earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from UW-Milwaukee and is also a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Staff and Command.

Captain Colin Hughes

Captain Colin Hughes began his career with the West Allis Police Department in 1991. He was appointed the rank of Corporal in 2000 and was assigned to the Special Investigations Unit. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2003 where he was assigned to Patrol (3rd shift). In 2004, he was transferred to the Training Bureau, where he spent time overseeing the Police Intern and New Officer training Programs. In 2012, he was promoted the rank of Lieutenant and assigned to the Special Investigations Unit.  In January 2019, he was promoted to rank of Captain and assigned to oversee the Patrol Bureau.

Captain Colin Hughes continues to oversee the Special Investigations Unit. Captain Hughes earned a Bachelor’s Degree of Science Degree (Criminal Justice) from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh. He is a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Staff and Command.

Captain Brian Saftig

Captain Brian Saftig started his career with the West Allis Police Department in July 1998. Over the next eight years, he spent time on all three patrol shifts, primarily assigned to the 3rd shift. In January 2007, he was promoted to the rank of Detective, spending two years assigned to the second shift Sensitive Crimes Unit and then three years in the Special Investigations Unit. In January 2012, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and assigned to Patrol (1st shift), where he oversaw the Traffic Bureau. Capt. Saftig transferred to Patrol (3rd shift) in September 2013. In early 2016, Capt. Saftig was assigned to oversee the Community Services Unit. In October 2016, Capt. Saftig was assigned to oversee the Sensitive Crimes Unit.  In June 2020, he was promoted to the rank of Captain and assigned to the Criminal Investigations Bureau.

Capt. Saftig was a member of the department’s SWAT Team between January 2004 and October 2020. He was an operator until September 2007, when he was appointed as a Team Leader. Upon being promoted to Lieutenant in January 2012, he was appointed as Assistant Commander of the team and served in that position until October 2020.

Capt. Saftig holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from University of Wisconsin – Whitewater and is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command – April 2011 / Class #310.

Lieutenant Jessica Johnson

Lieutenant Jessica Johnson began her career with the West Allis Police Department in 1997. Prior to coming to West Allis, she served in the U.S. Air Force. She was promoted to the rank of Corporal in August 2003, where she was assigned as the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) Officer. In 2007, she was promoted to Detective where she was assigned to the Criminal Investigations Unit, as well as, the Sensitive Crimes Unit. In 2011, she was promoted to the rank of Sergeant of the Training Bureau. In 2012, she was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to oversee the Sensitive Crimes Unit. In October 2016, Lt. Johnson was assigned to oversee the Community Services Unit.

In addition to her other duties, Lieutenant Johnson is a member of the Honor Guard and a Board Member of the Community Alliance Against Drugs. She earned an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies through the Community College of the Air Force, a Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice through Chapman University and a Master’s Degree in Human Services, with an emphasis on Organization, Leadership and Management, from Springfield College. She is also a Certified Public Manager through UW-Madison.

Lieutenant Christopher Beldin

Lieutenant Beldin began his career with the West Allis Police Department in 2006. Prior to coming to West Allis, he served as a fire fighter in Milwaukee for 14 years. From 2006 until 2012 he was a Patrol Officer (3rd shift). He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2012 and served as the Accreditation Compliance Officer. In December of 2012 he was promoted to Lieutenant and was assigned to the Communication Unit where he supervised the 911 Emergency Dispatch Center. Starting in January 2019 Lieutenant Beldin was assigned to the Training Unit overseeing all aspects training and education for the West Allis Police Department.  In September 2020, Lieutenant Beldin was assigned to the Patrol Commander position for 1st shift.

Lieutenant Beldin holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Science Management from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and a Law Degree from Marquette University Law School. He is also a graduate of the Leadership in Police Organizations Program and the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Command College.

Lieutenant Nicholas Pye

Lieutenant Nick Pye began his career with the West Allis Police Department in 1992. Prior to coming to West Allis, he served as a police officer in Brookfield for 1 year. He was assigned as a Field Training Officer in 1994 and was then assigned to the Gang Suppression Unit in 1996. In 1998, he was appointed to the rank of Corporal and was assigned to the Special Investigations Unit as a gang investigator. After a brief return to the Patrol Bureau as a Field Training Officer, he was promoted to the rank of Detective in 2007 and was assigned to the Criminal Investigations Unit. In 2013, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and assigned to Patrol (2nd shift) and also assisted in supervising the Criminal Investigations Bureau (2nd shift). In 2015, he was transferred to Patrol (3rd shift). In early 2016, he was assigned to the Patrol Commander position for 2nd shift.  In late December 2017, he was assigned to the Patrol Commander position for 1st shift.  In September 2020, Lieutenant Pye was assigned to the Sensitive Crimes Unit.

Lieutenant Pye has earned an Associate Degree in Police Science and is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.

Lieutenant Todd Clementi

Lieutenant Todd Clementi began his career with the West Allis Police Department in 1996. Lieutenant Clementi worked as a Patrol Officer for the first 15 years of his career. In 2009 Lieutenant Clementi was assigned to the Motor Unit which had been re-introduced to the Department after nearly a 30 year absence. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant of Police in 2012 assigned to Patrol (2nd shift). In 2013, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and assigned to oversee the Traffic Bureau and assisted overseeing Patrol (1st shift). In June 2016, Lt. Clementi was assigned the Patrol Commander position for 1st shift. In late December 2017, he was assigned to oversee the Training Unit. In January 2019, he was assigned to oversee the Special Investigations Unit.

Lieutenant Clementi earned an Associate Degree in Police Science from Waukesha County Technical College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Justice and Public Policy from Concordia University of Wisconsin.

Lieutenant Michael Kempinski

Lieutenant Michael Kempinski began his career with the West Allis Police Department in 2008. During his tenure as a Patrol Officer he served as a Weed and Seed Officer, Field Training Officer, Evidence Technician, and was also a member of the Special Weapons & Tactics (SWAT) Team as both a Negotiator and Operator. He was promoted to the rank of Corporal in 2012, where he was assigned to the Community Services Unit He was then promoted to Sergeant and assigned to Patrol (3rd shift). In early 2016 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and assigned to Patrol (2nd shift).  In June 2016, Lt. Kempinski was assigned to the Patrol Commander position for 2nd shift. In July 2016, he was assigned to the Patrol Commander position for 3rd shift.  In September 2020, Lt. Kempinksi was assigned to the Training Unit.

Lieutenant Kempinski earned two Bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Western Michigan University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He is a graduate of the WI Department of Justice-Leadership in Police Organizations Program and a Wisconsin Certified Public Manager after graduating from the University of Wisconsin/DOJ Command College in the spring of 2018. Lieutenant Kempinski is also a certified WI Law Enforcement Instructor in several curriculums including a Master Instructor in Communication.

Lieutenant Trever Pasdera

Lieutenant Trever Pasdera began his career with the West Allis Police Department in 1996.  He worked as a Patrol Officer (3rd shift) for the first 12 years of his career.  During that time he served as a Field Training Officer, Evidence Technician, and Firearms Range Instructor.  In 1999, he became a member of the Special Weapons & Tactics (SWAT) Team where he served as the primary Hostage/Crisis Negotiator on the team until 2011. 

In 2011, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and assigned to Patrol (2nd shift).  Based on his performance in this role with the department, he was nominated for and awarded the Departments Employee of the Year in 2012.  He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2017 and assigned to the Patrol Commander position for 2nd shift, where he oversees a shift consisting of 3 Sergeants, 1 K-9 Officer and 21 Patrol Officers.

Lieutenant Pasdera earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Mount Senario College and is a graduate of the Wisconsin Law enforcement Command College, achieving the title of Certified Public Manager through UW-Madison.

Lieutenant James Cato

Lieutenant James Cato began his career with the West Allis Police Department in 2004.  He worked as a Patrol Officer (3rd shift) for the first 8 1/2 years of his career.  During that time he served as a Field Training Officer, Evidence Technician, a state certified instructor in DAAT, and Tactical Response.  In 2011, he became a member of the Special Weapons & Tactics (SWAT) Team where he served as shield operator until 2014. 

In 2013, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and assigned to Patrol (2nd shift). He has been a patrol sergeant on all 3 patrol shifts. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2020 and assigned to the Patrol Commander position for 3rd shift, where he oversees a shift consisting of 3 Sergeants, 1 K-9 Officer and 14 Patrol Officers.

Lieutenant Cato earned a Bachelor’s of Criminal Justice degree from Carthage College and is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.

Records Supervisor Marisa Szymuszkiewicz

Marisa started her career at the West Allis Police Department in June of 2008 as a full time Clerk II in the Records Unit. She was promoted to a Clerk III in 2012 and then again in 2013 to a supervisory role of Lead Clerk of Records. When the Records Supervisor retired in 2016, Marisa was the most qualified candidate for the position and was officially sworn in on April 16, 2016. Additionally, she was chosen as the West Allis Police Department Employee of the Year for 2016.

Her staff consists of 8 full time Administrative Support Specialists and Administrative Support Assistants and one part time Parker Taker. Marisa reports to the Captain of Administrative Services Bureau.

Communications Manager Doreen Blattner

Doreen has worked for the City of West Allis since 1988 where she started as a part time Dispatcher and then became a full time Dispatcher in 1992. In between, she worked for several months for the City of Greenfield as a Dispatcher. She also gained experience as a Clerk in the Records Unit. She ultimately gravitated back to Dispatch because of her fondness of the hours and a busy environment.

In 1995, Doreen was assigned training all Dispatchers and was officially appointed Communications Trainer in 2001. She served as the Lead/Communications Trainer until being promoted to Communications Supervisor in 2017 and again was promoted to Communications Manager as of January, 2019.

Doreen’s education includes an Associate Degree in Police Science (1992) and in 2018 graduated Summa cum Laude from Upper Iowa University with a Bachelor Degree in Public Administration with emphasis on Emergency Management.

Doreen has dedicated herself to the City of West Allis’s Communications Unit and is committed to the citizens to provide the best police, fire, and EMS services through prompt and accurate dispatching processes.

Principal Secretary Stacy Schmeling

Stacy began her career with the City of West Allis in August of 1996. She worked part time in the main office of the city’s Department of Public Works. In April of 1997, Stacy transferred to the West Allis Police Department working full time, early nights in the Records Unit as a Clerk II. In September of 2000, Stacy split her clerical duties between the Records Unit and the Community Services Bureau where her duties included working with the Neighborhood Watch Program and coordinating community events such as National Night Out and the Community Alliance Against Drugs New Year’s Eve event. In January of 2001, Stacy was appointed to a Clerk III as a result of her split duties and added responsibilities. In September of 2009, Stacy transferred back in to the Records Unit as the Lead Clerk. On March 1, 2012, Stacy was appointed to her present position as Administrative Support Specialist in the Police Administration Office working for the Police Chief, 2 Deputy Chiefs, and the Captain of the Management of Planning Bureau.