Public Safety
A little over four years ago, when Mayor Barrett began the process of hiring a new chief, he stated he wanted a chief that would be proactive in fighting crime, understand the multi-racial and multi-cultural make-up of our city and earn the respect of the rank and file.
Mayor Barrett’s budgets have consistently ensured the Milwaukee Police Department has had the staffing and the resources needed to effectively address crime. Because of Mayor Barrett’s financial support, the department celebrated a recruit class graduation this week, while similar cities around the county are laying off officers. Additionally, for the first time, the department now has access to up-to-the-minute crime data on a daily basis.
The department has been able to combine old-fashion beat patrol work with 21st century technology. This has proven successful in reversing violent crime trends.
Between 2007 and 2011, total crime decreased 21.1 percent and total violent crime decreased 23.2 percent.
While Chief Flynn and MPD officers have done solid work reducing crime, they have also interacted more closely with residents, improved engagement with the community and formed partnerships with community-based organizations. There have also been cooperative efforts between city agencies including a partnership with the Department of Neighborhood Services in addressing nuisance properties.
Despite a vast increase in proactive police activity, citizens’ complaints are down nearly 40%.
During Mayor Barrett’s time in office The Milwaukee Police Department has become more effective, more technologically-advanced, more transparent, and more engaged with the community.
The Milwaukee Fire Department continues to provide an exceptional level of fire protection and emergency medical services, meeting or exceeding national standards for response and care.
Under Mayor Barrett’s leadership, the department has continued to align its resources to the needs of residents.
The 2012 budget included a staffing innovation designed to enhance the department’s capacity to provide medical response, which comprise more than 80% of the calls for service. A two-person squad will be located in a station in the center of the city’s highest volume Emergency Medical Service call areas. This innovation will support the continuation of the department’s high survival rates in a cost effective manner.