Content referencing 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.
Mar 27th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
City Attorney Freezes Council’s ICE Masking Legislation
Council is angry. 'This is pretty outrageous,' says alderman.
Mar 24th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
How Milwaukee Lost Its DEI Director
It wasn't President Donald Trump. But the name of office will change.
Mar 18th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Mar 13th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
City Tows Hundreds With Unpaid Parking Citations
New habitual violators rule is pushing scofflaws to pay up.
Feb 25th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Chambers, Zamarripa Trade Profanity, Barbs Over Policy
Blowup results in Pérez shaking up committee assignments. Could a censure be next?
Feb 17th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Facing Pushback, MPD Halts Use of Facial Recognition Technology
If not, Fire & Police Commission, Common Council are poised to step in.
Feb 10th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Fire-Police Commissioner Leaves Milwaukee for West Bend
'I'm very disappointed,' Mayor Johnson says. 'I'll be investigating this.'
Feb 4th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
New Council Members Oppose Taking Tax Returns To Pay Private Ambulances
But opposition could cost the city 'ginormously' more money, warns a veteran.
Dec 3rd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
After Deadly May Fire, Milwaukee Adds New Safety Requirements
More inspections, more data and changes that will impact landlords, tenants.
Dec 2nd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Passes Tougher Reckless Driving Towing Policy
New state law clears way for long-sought policy change.
Nov 4th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Extending Hours For Downtown Parking Meters
It could also add more areas with variable pricing.
Oct 24th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
City Moving to Enact Reckless Driving Towing Plan
But proposal could be delayed in Madison.
Oct 23rd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Spends Millions Each Year Repairing Damage by Reckless Drivers
For the first time, city is breaking out the costs. It's a lot.
Oct 22nd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Changing How It Deals With Habitual Parking Offenders
Those with five or more tickets will receive new treatment from the city.
Oct 10th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Oct 2nd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Proposal Would Make Attending Street Takeovers Illegal
New citation aims to address growing problem.
Sep 11th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Alderperson Running For Secretary of State
Zamarripa is second to declare for open seat.
Sep 4th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Skips Finalists, Picks Outsider For Key Violence Prevention Role
Johnson taps Adam Procell, who turned his life around after homicide conviction.
Aug 18th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Police Want To Shutter Downtown Nightclub
Investigations link 25% of recent downtown violence to just one club.
Jul 30th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Despite Concerns, Council Overhauls Near West Side Parking Regulations
'Chaos is where we're at right now,' says alderman.
Jun 26th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Jumps Off Trampoline Debate
A $500 fine for improper usage? 'This is a trampoline. It's not a fire.'
Jun 24th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Could Regulate Where You Can Place Your Trampoline
"This is not an ordinance against fun," says sponsor.
Jun 12th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
New City Plan For ‘Street Takeovers’ – Arrest the Onlookers
Reckless drivers combined with crowd gatherings threaten safety, evade police.
Jun 4th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Vents Frustration on City Response To Suspected Shooter Incident
'We owe our employees better,' says council president.
May 22nd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
City Boosts Illegal Dumping Fine To $5,000
"The tire lady" is sick of bad actors trashing her aldermanic district. Her colleagues agree.
Apr 25th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Police Department Technology Purchases Raise Concerns
Will increase in cameras and video data invade privacy of citizens?
Apr 22nd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Police Creating a Drone Team
Purchasing 16 drones and training an airborne assessment team.
Apr 22nd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Pérez Reshuffles Council Committees
Addition of new alder Alex Brower prompts changes, restores power to veteran council member.
Apr 9th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Police Department Closing Unlicensed Driver Loophole
Repeat offenders without a license were being issued less severe municipal ticket.
Feb 14th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Police Department Buying New Bomb Robot
Current robot is almost old enough to qualify for a pension.
Jan 10th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Offers Police Officers $10,000 To Switch to MPD
City struggles to attract new officers while facing state requirement to hire more.
Nov 25th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Planning Innovative Fire Repair Shop, Suburbs Could Join
Milwaukee is at a 'blinking red light hazard zone' with its current facility.
Oct 30th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Officers From 103 Outside Police Departments Will Guard RNC
And that's before counting federal agencies and private security guards.
Jul 12th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Downtown Business Owners Urge City to Relocate RNC Protest Zone
Concerns over safety after failed attempt to ban firearms in 'soft zone' security perimeter.
Jun 10th, 2024 by Sophie Bolich
Effort To Ban Guns From Area Around RNC Fails
Ald. Robert Bauman wanted to challenge state law, but his colleagues demur.
Jun 7th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
ACLU, Coalition Sue City Over RNC Protest Rules
Group promises to march right to Fiserv Forum, alleges city is denying its 1st Amendment rights.
Jun 6th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Secret Service, City Find Themselves Targeted By Protesters, Republicans
Republicans want alternative to Pere Marquette Park. ACLU announces lawsuit.
Jun 6th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Proposal Ends Fines for Pot Possession
No fines for possession of up to one ounce of marijuana for a first-time offense.
Mar 23rd, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Another Council Committee Opposes Wilson
Majority of council opposes Ann Wilson's reappointment to Fire & Police Commission.
Mar 10th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
38 Citations Issued for COVID-19 Violations
VIP Lounge received $11,000 of $28,000 in fines issued by the city.
Feb 15th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
New Health Commissioner Wins First Endorsement
Kirsten Johnson gets backing of Public Safety & Health Committee.
Feb 1st, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
City Vaccination Program Delayed by Old Computer System
Health Department interim commissioner points to long term underfunding, deluge of work during pandemic.
Jan 29th, 2021 by Corrinne Hess
Coggs Continues to Lead Push for Enhanced Trauma-Informed Care
Alderwoman pushes for standardization in referrals with hopes of preventing future crime.
Jan 7th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Rejects Ann Wilson’s FPC Reappointment
But even if council affirms rejection, Wilson could continue to serve.
Jan 7th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Backs Leon Todd to Lead FPC
Attorney gets council committee approval to run troubled Fire & Police Commission.
Dec 14th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
McManus Lays Out Three Priorities for Health Department
Baker issues a statement defending his actions. Are city hospitals going to close?
Feb 23rd, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Should Cops Do More High Speed Chases?
Common Council says yes. Chief Flynn says no. Who’s right?
May 26th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
Drunk Driving Bill Costs $15 Million Per Year
Department of Corrections estimates minimum cost of get-tough bill.
Apr 5th, 2017 by Gretchen Schuldt
The Council’s Battle Over Police
Donovan and several aldermen demand more, Hamilton slaps them down. Who’s right?
Nov 22nd, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
The Problem of Prostitution
Greenfield Ave. is the city’s hub for sex trade, where prostitutes, residents are victimized.
Nov 22nd, 2016 by Edgar Mendez
Public Safety Plan Ignores the Community
Aldermen should work harder to consult residents and target underlying causes of crime.
Oct 21st, 2016 by Markasa Tucker
Citizens Condemn Proposal for More Cops
Different practices, not more police needed, community groups tell aldermen at city hearing.
Oct 8th, 2016 by Jabril Faraj
The Bizarre War Against John Chisholm
What’s more peculiar, his opponent, or the complicated plot to defeat him?
Jun 14th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Aldermen Unveil Anti-Violence Initiative
Hamilton and 11 other aldermen call for “holistic approach” to gun violence.
Jun 8th, 2016 by Jabril Faraj
City Hall’s Game of Thrones
Hail Ashanti! Ald. Hamilton's route to the Iron Throne laid bare.
Apr 28th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Municipal Court Under Fire
It imprisons debtors and seems bloated with staff. Will city demand changes?
Aug 18th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
City Considers Lowering Penalties for Marijuana
Study shows 86% of those convicted of pot possession are African American.
May 31st, 2015 by Edgar Mendez
The Unbearable Loudness of Harley Hogs
Why are they allowed to violate noise ordinances? No one seems to know.
Sep 2nd, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Betting on the Common Council
Haven't got your fix with the Super Bowl? Gamble with friends on who will be the next council president.
Feb 2nd, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Can County Board Solve Taxicab Problem?
The board's resolution got media play, but will probably accomplish nothing.
Nov 21st, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Citizens, Cut Your Grass!
Common Council is considering a proposal by Ald. Davis with tougher restrictions against overgrown lawns.
Jul 22nd, 2013 by Gretchen Schuldt
Terrible Town for Taxis
How a city permit system enabled a cartel to dominate the taxicab business, stifling competition and providing poor service.
Apr 23rd, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
More Taxis for Milwaukee?
Bauman's proposal would drastically increase the number of cabs, and a recent court decision makes change more likely.
Apr 17th, 2013 by Jeramey Jannene
Witkowiak Runs Off to Siberia
The former alderman is an obsessive marathon runner. And the city gets 2000 more trees.
Jan 10th, 2013 by Dave Reid
“Indignant” Police Chief Defends Department’s Integrity
Chief Flynn provides data that calls into question the Journal Sentinel’s reporting.
Jun 21st, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
The War Against Chief Flynn
Why is the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel trashing the city’s best police chief in decades?
Jun 18th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Wells St. Two-way Street Conversion is Long Overdue
At Thursday’s Public Safety Committee meeting a file will be voted on that would authorize the conversion of Wells St. to two-way operation from 6th St. to Prospect Ave. According to the Journal Sentinel, the Wisconsin Center District Board voted to oppose part of this conversion, in particular from 4th Street to 6th Street, due to “safety” concerns. These concerns miss the big picture and can be handled while bringing the benefits of making Wells St. two-ways in downtown Milwaukee. Well Street’s one-way configuration brings an assortment of issues that negatively impact the neighborhood it passes through. In particular it is common to see cars continuously circling the block, because a parking spot is not easily accessible without circling the neighborhood. Another direct result of Wells St. being a one-way street, with little congestion, and having multiple travel lanes is that people speed excessively. This is an all too frequent occurrence. Additionally, crashes occur when drivers attempt to turn left from the center lane, because the nature of the street doesn’t fit with the location, causing an accident. Finally, it is all to common to see are drivers heading in the wrong direction along Wells St. A two-way street conversion would alleviate these issues while bringing benefits to the city. A benefit is that a two-way conversion will make Wells St. more pedestrian friendly, as no longer will one need to cross a “freeway” to get across the street. It will bring enhanced visibility to retail establishments, drawing in more of the infrequent drivers passing through the neighborhood. Additionally, for automobile drivers it will actually enhance connectivity by reducing the need to loop around to find a parking spot or a missed intersection. Finally, it will reduce traffic speeds along Wells St., improving safety for both the pedestrian and the automobile driver. This change is long overdue and hopefully this is just another step toward a more connected, accessible, and safe built environment in downtown Milwaukee.
Jun 22nd, 2011 by Dave Reid
Public Safety Committee Approves New Milwaukee Bike Plan
The Bicycle Master Plan was presented to the Public Safety Committee at the September 16th, 2010 meeting.
Sep 17th, 2010 by Dave Reid
Milwaukee Police District Boundaries Redrawn – Will Affect New UWM Dorm
Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn has had his new police district boundaries approved by the Common Council Public Safety Committee. The new boundaries will have the most significant effects on the East and South sides of Milwaukee.
Jun 5th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Considers Wells Street Conversion
Resolution 080295, sponsored by Alderman Robert Bauman, is the next in a line of files where he has worked to improve the pedestrian experience within the City of Milwaukee. The resolution would complete the conversion of Wells Street to two-ways which he explained would improve the pedestrian environment by slowing traffic. Additionally he pointed out other benefits of two-way streets including that it will “help in connection with retail and commercial activity on the streets”. The portion had been left uncompleted due to property owner concerns as well as concerns over road configurations that would not of been ideal in connection with existing highway ramps. These ramps have since been removed during the Marquette Interchange reconstruction and are no longer a concern of the Department of Public Works. This file was held to allow for more details regarding cost but it appeared to have broad support on the committee. A second file sponsored by Alderman Bauman was file 080294 which proposed the re-striping of West Saint Paul Ave. to improve safety during winter conditions and access to the Intermodal Station. These changes became needed after West Saint Paul Ave. was recently converted to two-way access. This file was approved and will now go before the full Common Council.
Jun 21st, 2008 by Dave Reid
Public Safety Committee Approves Two-way Conversion
Resolution 071566 recommended converting a one block stretch of North Broadway between East Michigan Street and East Clybourn Street from one-way to two-way. Alderman Bob Bauman commented that “many of the property owners as well as prospective developers of what ought to be considered prime real estate have indicated to us that the absence of two way operation, even modified two-way operation of the type being proposed here, is a significant impediment to their ability to develop that property.” Although this conversion will increase street access to a portion of North Broadway it does not convert the block of North Broadway underneath I-794 to two-way leaving a gap in the connection between Downtown and the Third Ward. This resolution was passed by the Committee and will move on to the full Common Council for approval.
Mar 29th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Donovan Plays to His Base
"They said he should be governor."
Jul 7th, 2006 by Michael Horne
