MPD to utilize 2-person squads "until better intelligence developed regarding Dallas, Baton Rouge"
MILWAUKEE -- Officials with the Milwaukee Police Department say officers will be dispatched in two-person squad cars full-time "until a better intelligence picture is developed regarding the Dallas and Baton Rouge attacks."
The change also comes in the wake of an incident on Milwaukee's south side on Sunday, July 17th.
Brandon Baranowski, a 31-year-old Milwaukee police officer, was shot and wounded while on the scene of a domestic violence-related call. Baranowski, one of two officers on scene in separate squads, was seated alone in his patrol car when a suspect approached on foot and fired a gun several times into the squad, striking the officer several times.
MPD officer shot, wounded near 17th and Morgan
An MPD spokesman said the following in a statement to FOX6 News on Monday, July 18th:
Chief Flynn’s July 8th order that all evening and night shift squads be staffed with two officers “for the time being” was apparently interpreted as only through the weekend and then there would be a return to the standard staffing pattern mix of one officer and two officer squads. MPD routinely dispatches two officers to all calls with a potential for violence whether they are in one squad or two vehicles. That was the case on Sunday morning. Two single officer squads were on scene when Officer Baranowski was attacked.
On Sunday, July 17th Chief Flynn issued a directive that all patrol squads will be staffed by two officers on all shifts until a better intelligence picture is developed regarding the Dallas and Baton Rouge attacks.
"It must be noted that research and experience have overwhelmingly demonstrated that officers are not made any safer in a two-officer squad. I have issued a directive out of an abundance of caution and in recognition of expressed concerns. But, as the threat picture clarifies, I must retain the flexibility to properly staff the streets and protect the city. That will necessitate a return to the Milwaukee Police Department’s historic configuration."
–Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn
MPD officer shot, wounded near 17th and Morgan
So how does sending officers on two-person patrols change the dynamics of policing? FOX6 News got answers from Brian Dorow, the dean of the criminal justice program at Waukesha County Technical College.
"You have a degree of safety because your partner is right next to you," Dorow said. "What we are seeing with the ambush shootings, the execution of these officers, to have a partner there is going to provide added safety because you are going to have what we call 'contact-cover.'"
MPD officer shot, wounded near 17th and Morgan
It can also change where officers patrol and when.
"But certainly it also reduces the amount of officers in a given beat area. You're cutting it unless your're bringing in additional staff," Dorow said.
MPD officer shot, wounded near 17th and Morgan
One thing is certain, police work is inherently dangerous. Dorow said any situation has the potential to be dangerous.
"Routine calls are no longer routine. as we know it. The barking dog complaint, the theft complaint, all of this stuff can escalate to where the officer is in a horrible situation," Dorow said.
Dorow says MPD's decision to send officers together is a scenario departments across the country have to consider daily.
MPD officer shot, wounded near 17th and Morgan
Meanwhile, officials with the Milwaukee Police Association released this statement Monday:
The Milwaukee Police Association has been advocating for two-man squads for seven consistent years. While no permanency has been accomplished, occasionally the department has reluctantly acquiesced on a temporary status. This no longer is good enough, nor has it been for a very long time.
Sunday morning we nearly lost one of our sons. If not for many intervening factors Sunday would have been an absolute tragedy… the officer’s warrior ethos coupled with both the responding officers and our beloved brethren from Milwaukee Fire certainly supported a positive outcome.
Our country and most assuredly our city is at a crossroad - leadership must lead and do so appropriately! The Alderpersons and the Mayor need to stand together and unequivocally condemn assaults on police. I remind: just hours after receiving a WI Supreme Court ruling that City Hall did not favor, they united in statement opposing the ruling – no lives were in danger. Police lives and certainly that of the community are in danger now. No politics, simply a unified voice in support of a better tomorrow… can the community count on you?
Permanent Two-Man Squads is not a request -- it is a DEMAND! Our officers must be afforded every effort and opportunity, as to mitigating safety realities. The officers must know they are supported… not solely in words, but actions. Better tomorrows begin with community unity, honest leadership and a condemnation of the lawless. The sentries of the city – your professional officers, with your support are integral to all success achieved.
…thoughts and prayers to the entire grieving LE Community; with a united community/nation we stand!