(Newser) – Controversial Milwaukee County Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. says he's accepted a position in the Department of Homeland Security, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports. Clarke said on a radio talk show Wednesdsay that he'd be leaving his position as sheriff next month to work as an assistant secretary in DHS' Office of Partnership and Engagement, Fox 6 reports. He'll act as a liaison between DHS and state and local law enforcement and governments. The AP notes that DHS has so far declined to confirm his appointment. Clarke, who has been sheriff since 2002, was recently the subject of mass protests over a number of issues, including the death of a Milwaukee County Jail inmate who was allegedly denied water for a week. Per the Raw Story, there have been calls for Clarke to resign since four people, including a baby, died in the jail since he took office. (Read more Department of Homeland Security stories.)