University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee police chief placed on administrative leave

The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee placed its police chief on administrative leave on Friday.

The university confirmed that police chief David Salazar was placed on administrative leave in an April 29 email but did not provide further details on why it occurred. Spokesperson Angelica Duria said in an email that the university “cannot otherwise comment on personnel matters.”

Brian Switala, a police captain with the department, is working as the department’s acting police chief, Duria said.

“UWM is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for every campus community member to live, learn and work. The UWM Police Department's mission is to carry out that commitment for the campus,” the spokesperson’s statement said.

According to an article on a university page, Salazar started working at the university in December 2021. Before that, he worked as a commanding officer for the Milwaukee Police Department's Second District.

The Journal Sentinel previously reported that Salazar was also a finalist for the Brown Deer police chief position in July 2021.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee police chief placed on administrative leave