Public Safety & Health Committee

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

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

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

Committee moves forward key recommendations to tighten FPC records, protocols

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Bipartisan legislation would fix Wisconsin’s outdated expungement law

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

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

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.

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

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

Heroin study funding to go before Public Safety Committee

Since 2005, Milwaukee County has seen a 495% increase in heroin-related deaths.

Milwaukee needs all hands on deck

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan May 6, 2016

Council President Hamilton announces 2016-2020 committee assignments

News release from Alderman Ashanti Hamilton

What will it take to get Republican leaders to intervene?

Reports of child abuse, sexual assault not enough to spur GOP investigation

Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats call for hearing about correctional facility safety

"We were alarmed to learn of very serious allegations of abuse at Lincoln Hills through the media," the letter reads.

Common Ground Pushes for Safer Streets

Common Ground urges Common Council to adopt school bus Stop Sign Ordinance

MPD earns rarely-awarded accreditation

The Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group Inc. made the announcement of the MPD accreditation yesterday.

Sen. Lena Taylor statement on call for creation of Office of African American Affairs

“I look forward to working with Rep. Young and my state legislative colleagues to create a vehicle that will help to reverse Wisconsin’s dismal records of being the worst place in nation to raise a black child.”

Common Council President Michael J. Murphy announces committee changes

Alderman Borkowski, who won the August 18 special election, was appointed by President Murphy to the Community and Economic Development Committee.

Public Safety Committee to take up FPC executive director appointment

Public Safety Committee chair Alderman Terry L. Witkowski said the two hearings will allow the public to select the time that best fits their schedule.

An attack on the caregivers

Statement from Alderman Terry L. Witkowski July 6, 2015

Statement from Alderman Terry L. Witkowski June 19, 2015

My thoughts are with the Wauwatosa police detective who was shot this morning on Milwaukee’s northwest side.

President Murphy to take Council committee seats

“In the wake of the sudden and tragic passing of Alderman Dudzik, until further notice I will assume the seats on the Public Safety and Finance and Personnel committees that he very ably held.”

Mourning the loss of a dedicated, respected colleague

Statement of Alderman Robert W. Puente May 22, 2015

Alderman Donovan asks for answers about secret MPD email system

Alderman Donovan requested answers to specific questions about the purported secret e-mail system.

Local Business Action Team producing legislation to simplify city permitting

The first two pieces of legislation to eliminate outdated laws and licensing requirements for Milwaukee business owners are advancing through the Common Council committee process.

Alderman Donovan calls for DOJ audit of Milwaukee Police Department IT

Alderman says video data snafu part of a “pattern” of issues

Alderman Witkowski schedules report on MPD records failure

News release from Alderman Terry L. Witkowski

Alderman Davis asks for investigation into MPD records failure

News release from Alderman Joe Davis, Sr.

MPD lost video report requires action, immediate response

Statement from Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. May 11, 2015

Committee to hear report on use of local rail lines to transport Bakken crude oil

“Given recent incidents that have demonstrated the potential for disastrous accidents along rail lines where crude oil is transported, this is an issue of great concern for our residents.”

Ald. Donovan calls news conference to address panhandling

South side alderman also to address concerns about diminishing public safety

Public Safety in Milwaukee approaching free-fall

Continued deadly violence and other challenges affecting quality of life

Dear Mr. Mayor: Stop playing poli-tricks with city residents

Statement from Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. November 5, 2014

Barrett administration public safety in disarray

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan November 3, 2014

Public Safety Committee to take up ShotSpotter expansion, pot penalties

A proposal to significantly expand the ShotSpotter gunshot detection area in Milwaukee will be discussed by the Public Safety Committee.

Ald. Witkowski: Proposed sex offender residency ordinance “badly off-balance”

"This ordinance is badly off-balance and unworkable."

Committee, police department to discuss 9-1-1 automated messages

Representatives from the Milwaukee Police Department will address questions about how emergency calls are handled tomorrow (June 12) during the meeting of the Common Council’s Public Safety Committee.

Police-involved shooting discussion will be a forum for community concerns

Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. will host a public forum tomorrow for members of the community to express their concerns and learn about the new state-mandated process for investigating incidents like the police-involved shooting of a mentally ill man in Red Arrow Park last month.

Red Arrow Park shooting update on Public Safety Committee agenda tomorrow

Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs announced that she has requested an update from the Milwaukee Police Department and the Fire and Police Commission regarding the officer involved shooting in Red Arrow Park last month.

Proposed ordinance would ban “puppy mills”

Proposed ordinance would ban “puppy mills”

Milwaukee police hit right notes and a treasure is recovered

Statement from Alderman Terry L. Witkowski February 7, 2014

Committee to review effects of administrative driver’s license suspensions

The significant impact administrative driver’s license suspensions will be discussed tomorrow (Thursday, January 30) during the meeting of the Common Council’s Public Safety Committee.

Alderman: Milwaukee as top 2014 destination shows we’re doing many things right

Milwaukee has made Jetsetter magazine’s list of top recommended travel destinations in 2014 – further validation that the city is headed in the right direction on many fronts, said Alderman Terry L. Witkowski.

Ordinance to improve taxicab service in Milwaukee passes

An ordinance meant to improve taxicab service and increase the availability of cabs throughout Milwaukee was recommended for approval Tuesday on a 5-0 vote before the Common Council’s Public Safety Committee

Hearing set for ordinance to improve taxicab service in Milwaukee

An ordinance proposing changes meant to improve taxicab service and to better ensure taxicab service availability throughout Milwaukee will get a public hearing next week before the Common Council’s Public Safety Committee.

FPC nominees to appear at community forum tomorrow

Reappointed Fire and Police Commission member Kathryn A. Hein and new Commission appointee Steven M. DeVougas will take part in a public forum tomorrow (Tuesday, October 22) evening at La Luz del Mundo Family Services, 1570 W. Greenfield Ave.

Council approves Motorcycle Safety Awareness Week

The Common Council today approved a resolution establishing Motorcycle Safety Awareness Week in Milwaukee every year during the first week in May.

Slight traffic jam, but we are making progress on taxicab service improvements

Statement from Alderman Terry L. Witkowski May 9, 2013

Proposal deserves a closer look…and perspective

Statement from Alderman Ashanti Hamilton May 9, 2013

Alderman Donovan calls for increasing police overtime funding, adding 20 new officers

Statement of Alderman Bob Donovan

Proposal to lift cap on city taxicab permits, improve taxi service to get special committee hearing

Committee chair invites hospitality industry reps to provide input

Proposal to lift cap on city taxicab permits, improve taxi service to get Thursday committee hearing

A proposed city ordinance introduced by Alderman Robert J. Bauman seeking to repeal the city’s cap on issuing new public passenger vehicle permits and to establish new requirements aimed at improving taxicab services in the city will be discussed TOMORROW (Thursday, April 18) during a public hearing before the Common Council’s Public Safety Committee.

Alderman Donovan calls for hiring 300-400 new police officers; points to New York City’s example

Statement of Alderman Bob Donovan March 11, 2013

Consumer voices sought on proposal to lift cap on city taxicab permits

Public hearing continues on Friday, March 8 at City Hall

Wilson confirmation could be start of better, more open, inclusive and accessible process

I would like to congratulate 6th District resident Anna Wilson on being confirmed today by the Common Council to serve on the Fire and Police Commission.

Scrutiny of MPD is not carte blanche for criminals

The Milwaukee Police Department continues to operate under a heightened level of scrutiny in the wake of several incidents in which officers overstepped their authority.

Proposal to lift cap on city taxicab permits gets Friday hearing

Measure also calls for more frequent vehicle inspections, vehicle upgrades

FPC confirmation starts with committee hearing tomorrow

For the first time in city history, on Thursday citizens will be able to indirectly ask questions of and comment on an appointee to the Fire and Police Commission.

Council President Hines & Ald. Witkowski to announce process changes for FPC confirmations

11:00 a.m. TODAY, January 17

Pattern and practice of potential police misconduct warrants federal investigation

Joint Statement from members of the Common Council

Alderman Davis introduces file for more info on MPD’s standard operating procedures

The communication file could be the subject of public testimony at the committee provided by representatives from MPD and/or the Fire and Police Commission

Extreme dry conditions, fireworks bad combination

Possession of fireworks is against the law in Milwaukee and can result in fines ranging from $500 to $1,000.

Watching the Watchdog – Joint Statement from Members of the Common Council

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s recent investigations into the police department have misled the public about important facts relevant to the safety of our community.