2023 Milwaukee crime data; trends, areas of concern revealed

MILWAUKEE - City leaders reveal 2023 Milwaukee crime data at a news conference on Wednesday, Jan. 10. 

Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman noted that homicides are down 21% in 2023, but a larger share of the total victims of homicides and shootings were children. Property crimes were down 13% and auto thefts were down 23%. 

"But let me be clear, whether the numbers are going up or going down, it's just not the work of the Milwaukee Police Department who makes that impact," Norman said. "It is the work of our system partners to hold those accountable who cause harm to people or property."

Numbers released Wednesday show homicide, rape and aggravated assaults are down year-to-year. Robbery, human trafficking and carjackings rose – while non-fatal shootings declined slightly. 

The police chief noted the work of nonprofit organizations and public who should not tolerate crime in the city's neighborhoods. 

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"Although our numbers down, firearm violence is still a real concern in our city," Norman said.

MPD said burglary is up slightly. But theft, auto theft and arson also saw declines. Carjackings were up 16%.

While homicides and non-fatal shootings are indeed down, data from the Milwaukee Homicide Review Commission shows nearl 15% of homicide and non-fatal shooting victims were kids in 2023 – compared to about 12.5% in 2022 and an average of 11% over the previous seven years. Also, more than 18% of suspects are kids. 

"It's clear to recognize that a lot of the crime stats that we're seeing across the nation, there is a trend of reducing crime," said Ashanti Hamilton, director of the Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention.

Norman said it is important to teach youth positive conflict management and resolution skills – as well as provide youth positive outlets and mentorship opportunities.

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"There are too many people who have too easy access to guns in Milwaukee and elsewhere as well," said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. "If folks want to exercise their 2nd Amendment right to carry, that's fine. But let's do it in a responsible way."

"I'm happy to let you know that we're moving a lot faster than a lot of other metropolitan cities," Hamilton said. "We know a lot of that movement is because of the cooperation and collaboration that's happening with so many community partners, so many community-based organizations working alongside law enforcement, along with city representatives."