Milwaukee officials unveil plan to reduce crime, improve traffic safety

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn and Alderman Terry Witkowski introduced on Tuesday, June 14th what they call the "Milwaukee Police Department Traffic Safety Plan" -- a plan aimed at reducing crime and improving traffic safety in the city.

Officials say they are getting a $150,000 state grant that allows them to put more enforcement in high crime, high car thefts areas through traffic enforcement.

Mayor Barrett has noticed drivers scoffing at the law.

"Just running the light -- my reactions range from, 'What are you doing?' to 'This is insane,'" Barrett said.

It's more of a problem than many think. Now, police are beginning an enhanced traffic stop enforcement project in areas which have high violent crime and stolen cars.

"When car stops go up, shootings robberies, and car thefts go down. When car stops go down, shootings, robberies and car thefts go up," Flynn said.

Would this create more stops targeting the poor and African-Americans? Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton said it was an initial concern.

"Many of the folks that are living in those areas are also asking for police presence. So we really want to give them that," Hamilton said.

People who live in the neighborhood such as Laura Walton just want the danger to stop.

"It's dangerous. A lot of kids die like that. A lot of people die like that from speeding and not paying attention. It's unfortunate," Walton said.

Flynn said another challenge is high-speed chases. He would like to see stronger prosecutions and if need be, a change in law to punish criminals who simply take off.