Public Safety & Health Committee

Council Hits Pause On Violence Prevention Pick After Grant Snub

Loss of a $2 million state grant deepens doubts about Karin Tyler and the future of the new department.

City Attorney Freezes Council’s ICE Masking Legislation

Council is angry. 'This is pretty outrageous,' says alderman.

How Milwaukee Lost Its DEI Director

It wasn't President Donald Trump. But the name of office will change.

Council Eyes Big Fines For Unidentified Officers, But Can It Touch ICE?

New ID rule is part of the ICE Out package, while police mask and aid policies are handled in other ways.

City Tows Hundreds With Unpaid Parking Citations

New habitual violators rule is pushing scofflaws to pay up.

Chambers, Zamarripa Trade Profanity, Barbs Over Policy

Blowup results in Pérez shaking up committee assignments. Could a censure be next?

Facing Pushback, MPD Halts Use of Facial Recognition Technology

If not, Fire & Police Commission, Common Council are poised to step in.

Fire-Police Commissioner Leaves Milwaukee for West Bend

'I'm very disappointed,' Mayor Johnson says. 'I'll be investigating this.'

New Council Members Oppose Taking Tax Returns To Pay Private Ambulances

But opposition could cost the city 'ginormously' more money, warns a veteran.

After Deadly May Fire, Milwaukee Adds New Safety Requirements

More inspections, more data and changes that will impact landlords, tenants.

Council Adopts New Fire-Safety Disclosure Ordinance to Protect Renters

Committee Advances Tenant Fire Safety Disclosure Ordinance Sponsored by Alderman Burgelis

Public Safety and Health Committee to Consider Tenant Life-Safety Disclosure Ordinance Tomorrow

Council Passes Tougher Reckless Driving Towing Policy

New state law clears way for long-sought policy change.

The two-year fight to strengthen the fight against reckless driving is almost across the finish line as Governor Evers signs bill

Statement of Alderman Lamont Westmoreland October 31, 2025

Milwaukee Extending Hours For Downtown Parking Meters

It could also add more areas with variable pricing.

City Moving to Enact Reckless Driving Towing Plan

But proposal could be delayed in Madison.

Milwaukee Spends Millions Each Year Repairing Damage by Reckless Drivers

For the first time, city is breaking out the costs. It's a lot.

Milwaukee Changing How It Deals With Habitual Parking Offenders

Those with five or more tickets will receive new treatment from the city.

Fire Equipment Running on Fumes: Alderman Burgelis Sounds Alarm on Critically Underfunded Fleet Needs

Data shows more than $27 million needed in 2026 and 2027 compared to Mayor’s $2 million 2026 proposal

Meeting Over Police Pursuits Results in Tears, Barbs and a Walk Out

MPD chief of staff walks out of meeting, chides alderman for bad behavior.

Proposal Would Make Attending Street Takeovers Illegal

New citation aims to address growing problem.

Milwaukee Alderperson Running For Secretary of State

Zamarripa is second to declare for open seat.

Mayor Skips Finalists, Picks Outsider For Key Violence Prevention Role

Johnson taps Adam Procell, who turned his life around after homicide conviction.

Police Want To Shutter Downtown Nightclub

Investigations link 25% of recent downtown violence to just one club.

Despite Concerns, Council Overhauls Near West Side Parking Regulations

'Chaos is where we're at right now,' says alderman.

Council Jumps Off Trampoline Debate

A $500 fine for improper usage? 'This is a trampoline. It's not a fire.'

Milwaukee Could Regulate Where You Can Place Your Trampoline

"This is not an ordinance against fun," says sponsor.

New City Plan For ‘Street Takeovers’ – Arrest the Onlookers

Reckless drivers combined with crowd gatherings threaten safety, evade police.

Council Vents Frustration on City Response To Suspected Shooter Incident

'We owe our employees better,' says council president.

City Boosts Illegal Dumping Fine To $5,000

"The tire lady" is sick of bad actors trashing her aldermanic district. Her colleagues agree.

Police Department Technology Purchases Raise Concerns

Will increase in cameras and video data invade privacy of citizens?

Milwaukee Police Creating a Drone Team

Purchasing 16 drones and training an airborne assessment team.

Pérez Reshuffles Council Committees

Addition of new alder Alex Brower prompts changes, restores power to veteran council member.

Police Department Closing Unlicensed Driver Loophole

Repeat offenders without a license were being issued less severe municipal ticket.

Milwaukee Police Department Buying New Bomb Robot

Current robot is almost old enough to qualify for a pension.

Milwaukee Offers Police Officers $10,000 To Switch to MPD

City struggles to attract new officers while facing state requirement to hire more.

Milwaukee Planning Innovative Fire Repair Shop, Suburbs Could Join

Milwaukee is at a 'blinking red light hazard zone' with its current facility.

Officers From 103 Outside Police Departments Will Guard RNC

And that's before counting federal agencies and private security guards.

Downtown Business Owners Urge City to Relocate RNC Protest Zone

Concerns over safety after failed attempt to ban firearms in 'soft zone' security perimeter.

Effort To Ban Guns From Area Around RNC Fails

Ald. Robert Bauman wanted to challenge state law, but his colleagues demur.

ACLU, Coalition Sue City Over RNC Protest Rules

Group promises to march right to Fiserv Forum, alleges city is denying its 1st Amendment rights.

Secret Service, City Find Themselves Targeted By Protesters, Republicans

Republicans want alternative to Pere Marquette Park. ACLU announces lawsuit.

Proposal Ends Fines for Pot Possession

No fines for possession of up to one ounce of marijuana for a first-time offense.

Committee moves forward key recommendations to tighten FPC records, protocols

Another Council Committee Opposes Wilson

Majority of council opposes Ann Wilson's reappointment to Fire & Police Commission.

38 Citations Issued for COVID-19 Violations

VIP Lounge received $11,000 of $28,000 in fines issued by the city.

New Health Commissioner Wins First Endorsement

Kirsten Johnson gets backing of Public Safety & Health Committee.

City Vaccination Program Delayed by Old Computer System

Health Department interim commissioner points to long term underfunding, deluge of work during pandemic.

Coggs Continues to Lead Push for Enhanced Trauma-Informed Care

Alderwoman pushes for standardization in referrals with hopes of preventing future crime.

Committee Rejects Ann Wilson’s FPC Reappointment

But even if council affirms rejection, Wilson could continue to serve.

Committee Backs Leon Todd to Lead FPC

Attorney gets council committee approval to run troubled Fire & Police Commission.

McManus Lays Out Three Priorities for Health Department

Baker issues a statement defending his actions. Are city hospitals going to close?

Shopping Cart Resolution Passes Committee

The resolution will now move onto the Common Council for a full vote on February 6.

Alderwoman Lewis invites business owners to learn about proposed shopping cart ordinance

A council study found that abandoned shopping carts were creating blight in neighborhoods.

“Cause no harm” not part of the thinking in “Right to Carry” proposal

Statement of Alderman Michael J. Murphy - September 21, 2017

Proposed ‘Right-to-Carry’ legislation disastrous for urban areas

Statement of Alderman Cavalier Johnson - September 20, 2017

What’s in a name? An intentional shift

Statement of Alderman Cavalier Johnson - June 29, 2017

A Bill Providing Pathways to Employment for Youthful Offenders Receives Public Hearing

Bipartisan legislation would fix Wisconsin’s outdated expungement law

Should Cops Do More High Speed Chases?

Common Council says yes. Chief Flynn says no. Who’s right?

Kansas City, KS reverses pursuit policy to address “skyrocketing crime

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan May 15, 2017

Councilmen opposed to downgrade in preference points for military veterans

News release from Aldermen Bob Donovan and Mark A. Borkowski

What in the world is going on?!

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan April 24, 2017

Thirteen Council members demand action from MPD, FPC

Seek re-prioritization of traffic enforcement, immediate review of no pursuit policy

Drunk Driving Bill Costs $15 Million Per Year

Department of Corrections estimates minimum cost of get-tough bill.

Council Members Seek Help From Governor on Juvenile Justice System

“Sadly, our current juvenile justice system has, with few exceptions, become little more than an undergraduate course for violent criminals.”

City sues to shut down properties linked to drugs, prostitution

Landlord allegedly knew widespread illegal activities were taking place

Launch of key Promise Zone effort to be announced Tuesday

City Hall event Jan 31 to be hosted by Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton

Donovan, Borkowski invite President-Elect Trump to Milwaukee

Aldermen reach out to PEOTUS, feds for help with public safety issues

Public Safety Survey results ready for viewing

Joint Media Alert from Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton and Alderman Bob Donovan - December 16, 2016

Milwaukee County on pace for a record-setting year of opioid overdose deaths

Analysis from city’s new partnership with Medical College of Wisconsin also shows growing prevalence of fentanyl in overdose cases

The Council’s Battle Over Police

Donovan and several aldermen demand more, Hamilton slaps them down. Who’s right?

The Problem of Prostitution

Greenfield Ave. is the city’s hub for sex trade, where prostitutes, residents are victimized.

Pres. Hamilton blasts council members for divisive and irresponsible press release

Statement of President Ashanti Hamilton November 17, 2016

Council members call on Chief to boost South Side officer staffing

Members seek MPD officer increases in Police Districts Two and Six

Alderman Murphy proposes smokeless tobacco ban

Smokeless tobacco contains at least 28 known carcinogens and causes oral, pancreatic and esophageal cancer.

Public Safety Plan Ignores the Community

Aldermen should work harder to consult residents and target underlying causes of crime.

Citizens Condemn Proposal for More Cops

Different practices, not more police needed, community groups tell aldermen at city hearing.

City hearings on public safety issues to be held throughout October

News release from Alds. Ashanti Hamilton & Bob Donovan

Ald. Donovan urges seven community meetings on public safety action plan

Mayor, police chief, Fire and Police Commission members and Council members would be invited to attend

Mayor: Strongly urging owners, residents to install water filters for lead

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan---September 7, 2016

Abele’s “asinine” comment regarding Public Safety Action Plan way off base

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan September 6, 2016

Ald. Coggs introduces file to generate discussion of Sylville Smith case

The death of Mr. Smith, 23, sparked civil unrest and prompted an emergency curfew order for those under age 18.

Twenty Milwaukee Organizations Express Serious Misgivings with Proposed Public Safety Action Plan

We are writing on behalf of an array of community groups to express our serious misgivings regarding the recently released draft “Public Safety Action Plan.”

State rules hinder tax referendum on Milwaukee Police Dept. staffing surge

Since 1989, budget cuts have reduced the number of city employees from more than 11,000 to fewer than 7,000.

Support the Blue Day rally to feature President Hamilton, Aldermen Donovan and Borkowski

“I urge citizens to come out and show their support for our brave officers,” said Alderman Bob Donovan.

Final session in series of special Public Safety Committee meetings set for Monday

The effort is part of a larger Common Council initiative to engage community members, civic leaders and police in combatting the epidemic of criminal activity in the City of Milwaukee.

Proposal seeks ballot measure on hiring 150 MPD officers

Alderman Zielinski co-sponsors measure, which is scheduled for hearing Monday

Proposal seeks ballot measure on hiring 150 MPD officers

For city property owners, the total cost on their tax bill is estimated to be 47 cents per $1,000 of assessed value each year from 2017 to 2021.

Citizens still not protected by the system

Corrected/revised statement from Alderman Bob Donovan June 16, 2016

The Bizarre War Against John Chisholm

What’s more peculiar, his opponent, or the complicated plot to defeat him?

Aldermen Unveil Anti-Violence Initiative

Hamilton and 11 other aldermen call for “holistic approach” to gun violence.

County’s defensive reaction to committee testimony disappointing

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan June 7, 2016

Common Council leading the way on multi-pronged public safety effort

Council president and members issue “All Hands Call” for peace

Milwaukee carjackings hit a new low

Statement from Alderman Mark A. Borkowski May 23, 2016