John Balcerzak (born December 11, 1955) is a former police officer who gained notoriety for his involvement in a racially charged incident in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 2004.

John Balcerzak

Balcerzak served as a sergeant in the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) for over two decades. However, his career took a significant turn when he became embroiled in the case of Frank Jude Jr., a biracial man who was brutally beaten by off-duty police officers at a party in October 2004.

During the investigation into the assault, Balcerzak faced accusations of obstructing justice by allegedly discouraging witnesses from cooperating with authorities. These allegations, along with his involvement in the incident, led to his suspension from the police force.

The case garnered widespread attention and sparked outrage within the Milwaukee community, highlighting issues of police brutality and racial bias within law enforcement. Balcerzak's actions, along with those of his colleagues, fueled public distrust in the MPD and prompted calls for accountability and reform.

In 2006, Balcerzak, along with several other officers, was charged and convicted of federal civil rights violations in connection with the beating of Frank Jude Jr. He was sentenced to 17 months in prison and subsequently lost his job as a police officer.

The Frank Jude Jr. case remains a significant chapter in the history of police-community relations in Milwaukee, serving as a reminder of the challenges faced in addressing systemic issues of racism and misconduct within law enforcement.

Since his conviction, John Balcerzak has largely remained out of the public eye. His actions and the consequences he faced continue to serve as a cautionary tale and a focal point in discussions surrounding police accountability and reform efforts.

In summary, John Balcerzak's involvement in the racially charged incident in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 2004 marked a significant moment in the city's history and brought to light issues of police brutality and racial bias within law enforcement. His actions, along with those of his colleagues, led to public outcry and calls for accountability and reform within the Milwaukee Police Department. Balcerzak's subsequent conviction for federal civil rights violations and his imprisonment serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of police misconduct and the importance of holding law enforcement officials accountable for their actions. The case of Frank Jude Jr. continues to resonate as a symbol of the challenges faced in addressing systemic issues of racism and injustice within policing, serving as a catalyst for ongoing efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and reform in law enforcement agencies across the United States.

John Balcerzak's involvement in the Frank Jude Jr. case has been referenced in various news articles, documentaries, and other media sources covering the incident and its aftermath. However, there are no specific books, films, TV series, or websites solely dedicated to his story. Instead, his role in the events surrounding the assault on Frank Jude Jr. is often discussed in broader contexts of police misconduct, racial injustice, and efforts for police reform.