A Call for Action to Fight Crime and Reduce Violence

April 24, 2008 

A Call for Action to Fight Crime and Reduce Violence

Dear Friends: 

Warm weather typically brings an increase in violent crime, and I believe it is critical that we act early and aggressively to provide law enforcement with the tools they need to keep Milwaukee neighborhoods safe. Many of these tools require the approval of the State Legislature, and the time to act is now – before summer arrives.

We need tougher consequences for felons and others who think little of using, carrying or selling
illegal guns to terrorize our residents; we need specific legislation to deal with illegal guns; and we need appropriate resources so law enforcement has the manpower and technology it needs to crack down on illegal guns and the criminals who use them.

Specifically Chief Flynn, District Attorney Chisholm and I believe the State Legislature must adopt legislation that will address the following:

1. Minimum Mandatory sentences for felons and individuals with prior criminal records in possession of a weapon. 
   
    
2. Tougher sentences for crimes committed with firearms. 
   
    
3. Mandatory background checks on all sales of handguns. 
   
    
4. Adoption of micro-stamping technology legislation. 
   
    
5. Funding for Community Prosecutors, Drug Prosecutors and Violent Crime Prosecutors in the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office. 
   
    
6. Direct the 911 emergency surcharge collected within the City of Milwaukee to help pay for police, firefighters and paramedics in the City of Milwaukee.
    

The Legislature has convened Special Sessions to address the state budget and the Great Lakes Compact. I believe fighting crime and reducing violence in Milwaukee and across Wisconsin are equally worthy of a Special Session. Gov. Doyle has been an ally in the mission to keep Milwaukee safe, and I know he shares my strong belief that gun violence must not be tolerated.

Gang members, felons and other criminals who choose to commit violent crime in Milwaukee must face serious consequences for their reckless acts. It’s time to toughen the message, enforce stiff penalties and fund the prosecutors and police needed to put away the bad guys. The time to act is now, and I ask the State Legislature to provide the tools to make Milwaukee safer.
 

Sincerely,

Mayor, City of Milwaukee 

Visit my website at: http://www.city.milwaukee.gov/mayor