Sheriff Clarke brings back deputies laid off by Abele

By the WTMJ News Team

CREATED Sep. 10, 2012 - UPDATED: Sep. 10, 2012

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  • Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke. | Photo: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke says he is bringing back 29 of the 48 deputies who were laid off earlier this year.

Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke and Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele went back and forth for months about whether the cuts were necessary.

"From the very beginning the association has taken the position the layoffs were illegal," said attorney Christopher MacGillis, who represents the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Deputy Association.

Clarke said he's bringing back the deputies after shortages forced the jail staff to work extended hours.

He said in part "some employees are going as long a month without an off day."

Clarke claims the county isn't filling those positions and he's cutting inmate programs to bring back qualified deputies to the force.

But if the original layoffs were due to a tighter budget, what changed?

Abele's office argued from the beginning the sheriff could cut as he chooses.

Abele released a statement in part saying the county "has been working with the sheriff's office on recruiting and retaining correctional officers."

As for the union, it's pleased 29 are coming back.  There's no indication how soon the deputies will return to the job.  TODAY'S TMJ4 reports that they will likely receive calls this week.