Safe & Sound Announces Neighborhood Team Expansion to North Milwaukee Neighborhoods

November 1, 2016 MILWAUKEE – Safe & Sound publicly announced the expansion of its service area to include Milwaukee Police District Four, which covers everything north of Villard Avenue. Safe & Sound Neighborhood Teams are comprised of a Community Prosecution Unit (CPU) Coordinator and two organizers who work cooperatively to build networks of residents and partners focused on improving neighborhood safety.

Working alongside District Four police and CPU partners, a Safe & Sound CPU Coordinator will help manage cases and communications primarily focused on nuisance properties. As a resident liaison, the CPU Coordinator also assists in follow up with the community on active cases and offering crime reporters a confidential line of communication and support.

Within District Four, Safe & Sound has targeted two priority neighborhoods, Westlawn and Thurston Woods/Old North Milwaukee, where organizers will engage residents and youth in community programming and neighborhood development activities. The organizers will offer education and resources to residents and young people and begin building social cohesion and informal social controls that research shows are essential factors in safe neighborhoods.

Several supporters joined Safe & Sound’s Executive Director Katie Sanders for the announcement including Mayor Tom Barrett, Assistant Chief James Harpole, District Attorney John Chisholm, Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton, Silver Spring Neighborhood Center Executive Director Tom Ellis, and Johnson Controls Foundation President Grady Crosby.

Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn affirms, “The Milwaukee Police Department is proud to continue and expand its partnership with Safe & Sound.  Neighborhoods on the Northwest Side will soon learn of Safe & Sound’s commitment and dedication to Milwaukee.”

Priority neighborhoods are selected by evaluating crime and housing data, identifying community assets and input from neighborhood partners, community leaders, residents, Safe & Sound board and staff.  The team is based on a successful model in four other Milwaukee Police Districts – Two, Three, Five and Seven.  Last year, a team of 25 Safe & Sound staff reached 25,000 community members across Milwaukee.

“I am thrilled that we are able to expand our important services to Milwaukee Police Department District Four. Safe & Sound looks forward to working together with even more residents, youth and partners in this new area to build safe and empowered neighborhoods,” remarks Safe & Sound Board Chair Bridget Clementi, adding “It is only possible with the tremendous support of our steadfast funders and community supporters.”

As with any major expansion, Safe & Sound completed a new fundraising campaign to expand into the new district. Funders include Johnson Controls, Community Advocates, Office of National Drug Control Policy and a local family foundation. Businesses and donors interested in supporting Safe & Sound’s programs can find more information on safesound.org.

For more information on Safe & Sound, contact: Katie Sanders, Safe & Sound Executive Director at (414) 220-4794 or ksanders@safesound.org or Anne Temple, Development & Communications Manager at (414) 708-2794 or anne@safesound.org.

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.