In a city like Milwaukee, the relationship between the police and the community is not always trouble-free.

Cases of police misconduct have cropped up in recent years. Some citizens see a problem with the Milwaukee County district attorney's office investigating such cases and working closely with the Milwaukee Police Department.

"People ask, 'How can you review these cases when every day the same officers are bringing you other cases to look at?' " said Kent Lovern, deputy district attorney. "We want to eliminate the perception of a conflict of interest."

District Attorney John Chisholm announced Feb. 22 that he is reorganizing his office to bring more transparency to the investigation of police misconduct allegations.

"Priority No. 1 is to make sure bad officers (are removed) so good cops can do their jobs," Chisholm said.

One assistant district attorney, Douglas Simpson, will now be responsible for handling all accusations of police misconduct.

"It's his only assignment," Lovern said. "He's not handling any other charges."

The new position brings more accountability and openness to investigations, Lovern said.

While Lovern maintained that no specific incident prompted the reorganization, he said that mistrust between Milwaukee citizens and their police department was an important factor.

"In some areas of the community, the level of trust between MPD and the community is shaken," he said. "But (the reorganization) has been talked about for months internally."

While simply creating a new position may not rid the city of bad cops, Lovern said the reorganization's objective is to open up investigations.

"We want the process to be open, accountable and objective," he said.

Chisholm said the last such reorganization was years ago and that he thinks it's the only option available to public safety officials.

"Otherwise, we'll continue the cycle of violence," he said.

Police department spokeswoman Anne E. Schwartz said MPD works closely with the district attorney's office to investigate any case that involves an officer. She said the department supports the attempt to make investigations more transparent.

Two cases in particular have sparked controversy in the police department and the city.

Frank Jude Jr. case

The case against police officers accused of brutally beating Frank Jude Jr. more than two years ago is still hanging over Milwaukee.

Eight officers are waiting in limbo for federal charges against them. Three of the eight were found not guilty of state charges last April.

Steven Fronk, hearings examiner for the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission, would not comment on ongoing cases.

In October 2004, an MPD officer hosted a party at his home in Bay View that many off-duty officers attended. Jude showed up at the party with friends and upon leaving was allegedly kicked and punched by officers as he lay facedown on the ground.

The beating rocked the police department and Chief Nannette Hegerty punished 13 officers, firing nine in January 2006 and temporarily suspending the others.

Steven Lelinski case

On Feb. 3, a jury convicted former Milwaukee police officer Steven Lelinski of sexually assaulting two women he met while he was on duty.

Lelinski will be sentenced on March 29. If given the maximum sentences for each conviction, Lelinski would face more than 60 years in prison and around $170,000 in fines.

While Lelinski was fired from the department in August, he was paid until his conviction per state law.