Clippers & Cops Event Brings Atlanta-Based Officers to Milwaukee for Three Days of Community Engagement

Milwaukee, WI – Clippers & Cops, an Atlanta-based nonprofit known for fostering open dialogue between law enforcement and the communities they serve, is bringing its impactful program to Milwaukee on August 29th and August 30th. The organization, led by founder and retired Atlanta Police Department investigator Tyrone Dennis, aims to bridge gaps and build stronger relationships between police officers and local communities through honest conversations and community outreach.

“The mission of Safe & Sound has long centered on the importance of uniting residents, youth and law enforcement for collaborative efforts to build safer neighborhoods. We are excited to help host events that aim to strengthen community-police relationships. Positive police and community relations help foster trust between law enforcement and residents, leading to increased cooperation in reporting crimes, and providing information to solve cases. Without this trust, police effectiveness is significantly diminished, and residents feel less empowered to be the change they want to see.” – Bridget Whitaker, Executive Director of Safe & Sound

“We cannot bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement within a day, but with organizations like Safe & Sound, Inc. and Clippers and Cops, there is hope that people from all over can co-exist together and not be afraid of one another. Having candid and genuine conversations, in this setting, is another vehicle to help us build trust with our community.” – Chief Norman, Chief of the Milwaukee Police Department

“Today young people are told that the police are to be feared, avoided, or ignored, but when we share our humanity, we break down the barriers preventing us from getting our messages heard. Through our ‘Clippers and Cops’ forums, we learn from each other. As a result, people let down their guards, open up, and become less intimidated.” – Tyrone Dennis, Clippers and Cops Founder

Event Details:

Thursday, August 29th:
Clippers & Cops will engage with 8th-grade students at the 36th Street Campus of Milwaukee College Preparatory School focusing on helping young teens make smart choices and avoid pitfalls that could lead to trouble. The Atlanta-based officers will talk to the students about their perceptions of public safety and the role that they see law enforcement play in the overall harmony of their neighborhoods.

Later that evening, the group will host a Clippers & Cops Barbershop Edition at Safe & Sound (4422 W. Leon Terrace). This signature event creates a space where community members and law enforcement can come together in a relaxed barbershop setting to have unfiltered, meaningful discussions about issues affecting their communities. The event starts at 5:00 PM.

Friday, August 30th:
The final day of the visit includes a Lunch and Learn Panel Discussion from 12:00 – 1:30 PM at Ephesians Missionary Baptist Church. Moderated by Bridget Whitaker, Executive Director of Safe & Sound, and Marcey Patterson, Community Relations Director for the Milwaukee Police Department, the panel will focus on bridging the gap between community and law enforcement. Topics will include access to resources, community engagement, and strategies for building mutual trust. Lunch will be provided.

At 3:00 PM, Clippers & Cops will return to Safe & Sound for a Safe School Year Kick-Off Event. This Community Pop Up is a partnership with the Milwaukee Police Department to celebrate the start of a safe school year. Families and students are invited to enjoy food grilled by local law enforcement and take away free school supplies while they last.

About Clippers & Cops:
Founded in 2018 by former Atlanta Police Department Gang Unit Detective Tyrone Dennis, Clippers & Cops was created to establish a judgment-free zone where the community and law enforcement can engage in honest and open dialogue to improve their symbiotic relationship. The organization encourages everyone to express their fears and feelings about the police, sharing personal experiences and encounters that have shaped their perceptions. Through these candid discussions, Clippers & Cops seeks to break down barriers, build mutual understanding, and ultimately foster safer and more connected communities.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.