West Allis, Milwaukee seek feedback on interactions with police

WEST ALLIS (WITI) -- Starting this week, there will be more to do for those who are pulled over or who get into a car accident in West Allis. The West Allis Police Department will now be sending out letters asking folks to fill out a survey about their experience with police.

"We think the feedback is going to help us figure out what we're doing right so we can continue to do those things and look for ways for what we can do to improve to make things better for employees and also the citizens we serve," West Allis Police Captain Steven Beyer said.

The surveys will go out to those who have had a recent encounter with police.

West Allis and Milwaukee are the only two Wisconsin agencies participating in this program, which includes about 100 police departments nationwide.

"They'll be receiving a letter. When they receive their letter, they'll be able to complete a survey online or by calling a phone number or for the tech savvy, scanning a QR code," Captain Beyer said.

The University of Illinois-Chicago is handling the surveys.

The surveys ask participants to rate the helpfulness of the officer, describe the officer's demeanor and answer whether they have faith in the police department.

Captain Beyer says those who fill out the surveys don't have to worry about retribution.

"That data is actually collected by the University of Illinois, so we don't see the data. We don't collect the data. It's never in our building, so the summary information will be reported to us but we will not have specific individual survey results," Captain Beyer said.

Not everyone who deals with the police in West Allis or Milwaukee will get a letter for the survey.

For example, anyone involved in a domestic violence, sexual assault or juvenile related call will not be asked to fill out a survey.