An Unacceptable Level of Violence

A shooting that takes place anywhere in the City is one too many.

As leaders in the City of Milwaukee, however, we must acknowledge that our downtown is a critical economic engine. It is in every city. Conventions, employment, housing, recreation, and entertainment are only a part of what makes our downtown a thriving place to be.

Perception can unfortunately become reality and it feels as though there has been a violent act every weekend of late in our downtown. This must stop now. Our response to violence, wherever it occurs, must be multi-pronged. It should include community-based organizations that specialize in targeted interventions as well as a Milwaukee Police Department staffed and strategically placed to act. Both of these entities must step up.

We hear all the time from the MPD that crime follows national trends, but while some cities have seen their violent crime rate cut in half, we have not, and that will ultimately diminish the progress being made in our wonderful city.

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.