"Pathetic": Milwaukee Council Questiones MPD on Downtown Crime

Milwaukee Police Face Scrutiny Over Downtown Gun Violence

Milwaukee police leaders found themselves under intense pressure during an emergency meeting of the Common Council committee on Wednesday. The gathering was called to address a troubling rise in gun violence in the downtown area, particularly around Water Street. This bustling corridor of bars has become a focal point for numerous police investigations, with recent incidents highlighting the growing concerns.

Earlier this month, a shooting outside ELMNT nightclub left five people injured and two dead. Just over the weekend, two more shootings occurred near Water and Knapp streets, resulting in additional injuries. These events have prompted local officials to demand immediate action from the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) and the Office of Community Wellness and Safety.

During the meeting, members of the public safety and health committee sought solutions from the police department. Heather Hough, Chief of Staff for the MPD, acknowledged the challenges faced by the department, citing staffing shortages and "human behavior" as significant issues. She noted that larger crowds and increased disregard for authority are being amplified by social media, making it more acceptable for such behavior to persist.

WISN 12 News obtained documents revealing that during the overnight hours from midnight to 8 a.m. on Sunday to Monday, only three squads were assigned to patrol downtown. One of these squads was scheduled for just half a shift, while another was tasked with guarding a hospital. In response, the MPD stated that they are investigating the staffing failures in District 1 and emphasized that the current dispatch system allows for cross-district responses city-wide.

Alex Ayala, President of the Milwaukee Police Union, questioned whether the staffing levels were sufficient for the residents of downtown and the Third Ward, especially considering the Code Red status. He pointed out that the department is currently short by 250 officers and 50 detectives, with officers working without a contract for two years.

Members of the Common Council asked the MPD how they plan to address the spike in crime. Sheronda Grant, an inspector with the MPD, stated that they are doing their best with the available resources but admitted that they are stretched thin. However, she mentioned that additional foot patrols would begin this weekend, though she could not provide specific numbers due to operational constraints.

Bauman, who represents the downtown district, expressed frustration with the response. He described the situation as "pathetic," arguing that the police department was essentially saying the problem was unsolvable. He criticized the lack of resources and the inability to address human behavior effectively.

Ayala urged the mayor to settle the police contract and prioritize public safety. The mayor's office responded by stating that the police department has consistently shown its ability to deploy officers as needed. They also emphasized that public safety remains a top priority and that they prefer resolving negotiations at the bargaining table rather than through public statements.

As the city grapples with rising gun violence, the need for effective solutions and adequate resources becomes increasingly urgent. The ongoing dialogue between the police department, local officials, and the community will be crucial in addressing the challenges facing Milwaukee's downtown area.