"I want people to feel safe:" City leaders unveil "Summer Policing Plan," an effort to reduce crime & fear

“I want people to feel safe:” City leaders unveil “Summer Policing Plan,” an effort to reduce crime & fear

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Milwaukee Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton and other aldermen, including Bob Donovan and Jose Perez on Tuesday afternoon, June 28th unveiled the Milwaukee Police Department's "Summer Policing Plan" -- an effort to reduce both crime and fear in the city.

"All Milwaukeeans deserve a safe summer," Barrett said.

According to a statement from the Mayor's Office, the goals of this plan include reducing crime, improving neighborhood quality of life, building mutual trust with residents and strengthening partnerships with neighborhood stakeholders.

Milwaukee Police Department

"High rates of fear drive people from public spaces, remove informal social control and create a climate for crime," Flynn said.

The city leaders held a news conference Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. near 13th and Mitchell. They said this plan involves building on what they have already done.

RAW VIDEO: Chief Flynn speaks on MPD’s Summer Policing Plan

RAW VIDEO: Chief Flynn speaks on MPD's Summer Policing Plan

RAW VIDEO: Mayor Barrett speaks on MPD’s Summer Policing Plan

RAW VIDEO: Mayor Barrett speaks on MPD's Summer Policing Plan

RAW VIDEO: Milwaukee aldermen speak on MPD’s Summer Policing Plan

RAW VIDEO: Milwaukee aldermen speak on MPD's Summer Policing Plan

This is a joint effort involving the Milwaukee Police Department, Mayor's Office and Milwaukee Common Council.

The goal, these leaders say, is not only to reduce crime in Milwaukee, but also to improve the quality of life for those who live here.

Part of the plan includes putting more beat cops on the street.

"More people will see them in more public spaces and create the sensibility that we are available in those spaces to encourage people to use them," Flynn said.

Milwaukee Police Chief Ed

Chief Flynn said this will help stop crime and reduce fear.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett

Barrett said crime is down in most areas of the city -- and that includes homicides (down 23%) and robberies (down 9%), but there has been an increase in carjackings (up 5%).

"We're certainly aware of it and we're continuing to focus on it," Flynn said.

Barrett said he wants everyone to feel safe here in Milwaukee.

"I want people who live here and visit here to feel safe and more importantly, be safe. We have to make sure we`re doing everything we can," Barrett said.

"It's full speed ahead this summer. We're anxious to get started and we recognize people are depending upon us," Flynn said.

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