Milwaukee Bucks playoffs; safety prioritized by team officials, city

With the start of the NBA playoffs, the Milwaukee Bucks and city leaders are working together to prioritize safety for fans and visitors to downtown Milwaukee.

MILWAUKEE - With the start of the NBA playoffs, the Milwaukee Bucks and city leaders are working together to prioritize safety for fans and visitors to downtown Milwaukee.

On Friday, April 14, Mayor Cavalier Johnson joined the Milwaukee Bucks, the Office of Violence Prevention, and the Milwaukee Police Department to highlight safety efforts during the upcoming NBA playoffs. Officials expect 3,000 to 6,000 fans to descend upon the Deer District on Sunday, April 16.

"Those who attend games and come to the Deer district should know priority number one is safety and security," said Bucks and Fiserv Forum President Peter Feigin.

Last year, 17 people were injured in a shooting just blocks from Fiserv Forum during the NBA playoffs. Milwaukee police say the department will have a presence in the area for 2023.

"Our officers will be notable in and around the arena, the Milwaukee Police Department will not tolerate any behavior that is disruptive or that jeopardizes the safety of our community," said Milwaukee Assistant Police Chief Paul Formolo.

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Fans are also being asked to leave valuables at home to discourage car break-ins near the Deer District.

"Our message is clear, if you can’t bring it in, don’t bring it at all," Feigin said.

A rising problem in previous years has been the theft of guns from vehicles in the downtown area.

"Cars are attractive targets to thieves who are looking for something to steal, thieves who unfortunately break into cars and steal firearms that are then used for criminal activities in other parts of the city," Johnson said.

In addition, fans will notice a new youth community ambassador program.

"Everything will be reported that is stated unsafe," said Jakira Austin, a member of the youth program.

Members say they have been trained to help with security by being another set of eyes and ears on the ground.

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"We don’t want anyone coming in with sour faces or anything, making sure everyone stays safe and be responsible," Austin said.

Fiserv Forum

City leaders say it is on everyone to do their part as they cheer on the Bucks.

"Bring the fun, bring the good spirit, bring the winning attitude," said Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski.