Milwaukee Police Athletic League; crime prevention effort renewed
MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Police Department and others on Friday, May 19 announced the launch of the Milwaukee Police Athletic League.
The program isn't new, but it did go away; officials have not said why. It is designed to improve the relationship between the city's young people and police.
"We have recognized that in recent time, that community and police have been pitted against each other," said Ashanti Hamilton, Milwaukee's Office of Violence Prevention director.
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Once a month, MPD officers will serve as mentors, coaches and advocates with teens either in classrooms, ball fields or gyms of participating youth centers.
"To be able to interact with police officers who actually are policing their neighborhoods in an environment that is both safe and encouraging in helping them to recognize the humanness in both parties," Hamilton said.
Milwaukee Police Athletic League
The goal is to build off the work officers already do with "Teen Nights" – an initiative that launched last year.
"I even had fun with some police officers, which I thought was something I would never do," said one teen who participated in that initiative.
Aside from traditional classroom spaces, other rooms are used as safe spaces. They are meant for teens to create, learn and practice their leadership skills.
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"The goal for them is that they made a difference, know they are cared about, they are safe," said the Goldin Center's David White.
Organizers said young people who engage with police in positive spaces are less likely to commit crimes. The program is not a guarantee, but Chief Jeffrey Norman said it is hope.
"If you look at a glass half empty it will be half empty. I look at it as half full," he said.
COA Goldin Center, Milwaukee
Programming will continue through 2023. Parents can call the United Neighborhood Centers of Milwaukee home office at 414-978-2000 for more information. Interested youth serving organizations should email mpdpal@milwaukee.gov.
Dick’s Sporting Goods is supporting this initiative with "activity bags" that will allow officers to engage with our young people whether at a crime scene, neighborhood event, or just simply walking the beat.
Statement from Norman:
"The Milwaukee Police Athletic League is a big win for police-community relations. We need to create more positive outlets for our youth and build stronger relationships between young people and our police officers. By serving as mentors, coaches, advocates and role models, our officers will connect with the community on a more personal level—building the kind of trust, understanding and support that lasts a lifetime."
Statement from Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson:
"Partnerships are so important as Milwaukee works to build safety citywide. The Milwaukee Police Athletic League is a great addition to the efforts. Through this, we are adding to trust among police and young people, and we’re providing new opportunities for positive activities."