Homicide rate up by 189%, MPD facing "significant challenge," could billboard campaign help?
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- They're meant to catch your eye, in an effort to help police catch criminals. Milwaukee police, the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) and Clear Channel Outdoor have teamed up for a new tip line and billboard campaign encouraging folks to turn in felons and drug dealers with guns. It's an effort to stop the violence in Milwaukee.
Drivers traveling on I-94 near Clybourn Street will see a huge digital billboard with a message meant to grab the attention of the hundreds of drivers who pass by it every day. It's one of several going up throughout Milwaukee County.
The billboard space was donated by Clear Channel Outdoor in order to advertise the ATF tip line. This, as the city of Milwaukee has seen 52 homicides so far this year. There were 18 homicides in Milwaukee at this time last year. The homicide rate in Milwaukee has increased by 189%!
"There certainly has been an upsurge of violence in this city. We are well aware of it. The police department has seized more guns in the first quarter of this year than in any first quarter in recent memory. Our non-fatal shootings are up. The number of victims are up. Our gun-related homicides are up. Certainly we are facing a significant challenge," Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn said.
"We need members of our community to call us and become our eyes and ears. That is the only way we can successfully combat violent gun crimes," Joel Lee with the ATF said.
This, combined with other policing efforts can hopefully make a big difference when it comes to putting a stop to all the violence in Milwaukee.
"Obviously we have very direct investigatory efforts to go after people with guns. Obviously we do hot spot policing. Obviously we are seeing a lot of firearms. This is yet one another layer," Chief Flynn said.
If you know a felon or a drug dealer with a gun, you're urged to call 1-800-ATF-GUNS. You can remain anonymous -- and rewards are available for information leading to convictions. It's a simple thing you can do -- and it may save lives.
"85% of our victims and 90% of our offenders have criminal records. They are a part of families. How do we get that family engaged enough to get some of these guns out of the house before this guy walks out on the street with it to supposedly meet his or her friends?" Chief Flynn said.
There will be 10 of these digital billboards throughout Milwaukee County.
The billboards will be up throughout the summer.
