This document consists of a series of email communications dated between May 15, 2024, and June 18, 2024, involving senior law enforcement officials in Wisconsin regarding a request for an external review of a police use-of-force incident. The correspondence originates from Paul Winterscheidt, Chief of Police for the Superior Police Department, as part of preparation for a municipal ordinance trial scheduled for July 2024.
The primary individuals involved include Paul Winterscheidt of the Superior Police Department, Matt Rokus, Chief of Police for the Eau Claire Police Department, and Thomas Thompson, Academy Director for Law Enforcement and Corrections at Northwood Technical College. The emails also reference other potential instructors and law enforcement officers qualified in Defensive and Arrest Tactics (DAAT), including Lieutenant Ryan Dahlgren and several county-level deputies and supervisors.
The purpose of the correspondence is to identify an independent DAAT instructor who could review the incident and potentially testify as an expert witness. Although the use of force itself was not the subject of the trial, the City Attorney for Superior sought an outside expert opinion to reinforce confidence in the department’s internal findings and to present neutral testimony if required. Compensation of up to $4,000 was discussed, partly due to external pressure and public scrutiny from social justice advocacy groups following the incident.
The outcome of the communications reflects practical limitations in available personnel. Eau Claire Police Department ultimately declined involvement due to instructor availability and retirement concerns. Subsequently, outreach to Northwood Technical College resulted in the identification of several qualified candidates, with Chief Winterscheidt indicating a preference to proceed with one recommended individual. The emails demonstrate inter-agency cooperation, risk management considerations, and transparency efforts in the handling of a contested use-of-force incident.
