Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Howell, An Afro-American Selected As Racine Chief of Police In Wisconsin

Arthel Howell chosen as Chief of Police for the City of Racine.

By H. Nelson Goodson
March 21, 2012

Racine - On Tuesday, the Fire and Police Commission in the City of Racine selected the current Deputy Chief of Police Arthel Howell as the new police chief. Howell is Afro-American and the first minority to become chief in Racine's history. He will replace retired Chief Kurt Wahlen. Howell will be sworn on April 2.
Last month, the commission faced criticism for attempting to reopen the search for a new chief after the only remaining White candidate decided not to seek the position. Howell and a Hispanic, police Lt. Carlos Lopez were left as the only candidates for the Commission to choose from after eight other candidates were eliminated.
Community members, several non-profit organizations the NCAAP and the Racine Police Association cried foul and accused the Commission of discrimination for trying to search for a White candidate after two minority candidates were left to compete for the job.
The Commission avoided a possible legal challenge by deciding not to reopen the search.

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