During a hearing Wednesday into the in-custody death of Derek Williams, seven members of the Milwaukee Police Department – two in uniform – refused to answer any questions, including where they work and whether they are police officers.
Accompanied by private attorneys, the five officers and two sergeants read identical statements invoking their Fifth Amendment right, which protects against self-incrimination. Each ended by saying they “respectfully decline to answer questions.”
Special prosecutor John Franke, obviously frustrated, questioned why Sgt. Todd Kaul, who was in full uniform, would not acknowledge he is a member of the force.
“Does that uniform and badge indicate you work for the Milwaukee Police Department?” Franke said. Kaul, who was in charge of the scene where Williams died, repeated his refusal to answer any questions.
“Are you not answering that question on the grounds it may incriminate you?” Franke asked.
“Yes,” Kaul said.