"Safe & Sound," non-profit focused on building safe, empowered neighborhoods expands

MILWAUKEE -- "Safe & Sound," a non-profit organization dedicated to building safe and empowered neighborhoods in Milwaukee is expanding.

The expansion into Milwaukee Police Department's District 4, which includes the neighborhoods north of Villard Avenue was announced on Tuesday, November 1st.

According to a release from Safe & Sound officials, teams comprised of a community prosecution unit (CPU) coordinator and two organizers work to build networks of residents and partners focused on improving neighborhood safety.

In MPD's District 4, Safe & Sound teams will primarily focus on nuisance properties.

 

Within District 4, Safe & Sound has targeted two priority neighborhoods: Westlawn and Thurston Woods/Old North Milwaukee.

The organizers will offer education and resources to residents and young people and begin building social cohesion and informal social controls that research shows are essential factors in safe neighborhoods, according to the release.

 

“The Milwaukee Police Department is proud to continue and expand its partnership with Safe & Sound. Neighborhoods on the Northwest Side will soon learn of Safe & Sound's commitment and dedication to Milwaukee," Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn said in the statement.

Priority neighborhoods are selected by evaluating crime and housing data, identifying community assets and input

from neighborhood partners, community leaders, residents, Safe & Sound board and staff. The team is based on a

successful model in four other Milwaukee Police Districts - Two, Three, Five and Seven.

According to Safe & Sound officials, in 2015, a team of 25 Safe & Sound staff reached 25,000 community members across Milwaukee Police Department Districts 2, 3, 5, and 7.