Differing opinions: Milwaukee leaders sound off on ways to curb the violence

City leaders disagree on how to handle Milwaukee violence

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- After 13 people are shot in the last three days, city leaders in Milwaukee are speaking out on plans to curb the violence. Mayor Tom Barrett says more patrols will be out, but some are saying that's just not good enough.

"What we're going to be doing this year is we're going to be very proactive. There's going to be a lot of overtime, quite honestly, and police are going to be targeting those areas where they are seeing the most activity," said Barrett.

Milwaukee County Sheriff David says the mayor and police chief should hire a minimum of 300 to 500 more officers and put them on the streets.

"This whack-a-mole strategy of increasing police presence only after a high-profile incident occurs to give the appearance something will be done only to leave after a few days, allows the criminals to return and once again dominate the neighborhood," said Clarke.

Milwaukee police promised a larger presence near 34th and Hadley after two children were shot in crossfire at the end of July. The victims were traveling in a van with seven kids in all.

Police now say they have arrested suspects in that shooting -- as well as another shooting near N. 27th and Hope. A woman at a bus stop was hit in the leg during that incident.

"You have to have more cops. All the Milwaukee police officers are going today is going from one call to the next call," said Clarke.

Mayor Barrett says citizens will see more officers on the streets this month, but they will be working on overtime. He will not be adding more positions within the force.

"It's something we're taking very, very seriously. I spoke to the chief on Friday and we discussed this. He understands, and I understand, how important it is to have this strong presence because every single neighborhood in this city deserves to be a safe neighborhood," said Barrett.

Sheriff Clarke also pointed out a news conference today was simply about safety and had nothing to do with the Sheriff's race election next week.