"Public safety is our highest priority:" Amendment to add police officers passes committee

MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Police Department will have more officers on its roster if an amendment passes the Common Council. On Friday, October 30th, the council's Finance and Personnel Committee helped the measure gain traction by giving it the "go ahead."

Michael Murphy

"The majority of council members recognize that public safety is our highest priority," said Common Council President Michael Murphy.

This concern is evident in the number of amendments aiming to increase the number of officers as presented to the committee.

"I think the community at large is very concerned obviously, as everyone is, about the, the violence in our community and the safety and security," said Murphy.

A total of six amendments were proposed. Two would add ten community service officers. Two others would add 20 and 25 police officers respectively. Two more would add 50 police officers.

Mike Crivello

"Any amendment that's put forth to add more officers into the budget will be of great value to us. The more, the better," said Mike Crivello, President of the Milwaukee Police Association. "They make a difference tied to response time, tied to the ability to prevent crime, tied to the ability to solve crime."

Ultimately, the amendment which would add 20 police officers, starting with seven in the 2015 recruiting class, was approved. It proposes funding the positions by eliminating a captain of police position -- and delaying the filling of some civilian positions.

Common Council President Murphy, who sponsors the amendment, has Police Chief Ed Flynn's support.

"He is agreeable to allowing that position to be eliminated. That's over $100,000 in savings," said Murphy.

The approved amendment may now be referred to the November 3rd Common Council budget adoption meeting.