06.08.06 Barrett seeks partnership to put additional cops on the street

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 8, 2006

Contact:	Eileen Force, Communications Director
	Office of Mayor Tom Barrett
	414-286-8504 (phone) 414-286-3191 (fax) eforce@milwaukee.gov

Barrett Seeks City/State Partnership to put additional cops on the street Mayor's commitment includes up to 40 new officers, additional overtime

Mayor Tom Barrett today issued the following statement:

"It is my priority to make sure that the City of Milwaukee is safe and our residents are protected. Because of that, I am pleased that a consensus is forming to address the need in Milwaukee to put more cops on the street. Putting up to 40 additional officers on the force will strengthen the department and I will work with the Council and the State to identify the money to do so. In addition, I will commit resources from the City's Special Purpose Account to be combined with State aid to fund overtime pay.

I want to be clear that this is not a one-part solution. This additional funding for police services is in conjunction with efforts already in progress to address violence in the city including my Summer Jobs program which will put more than 1,000 kids to work this summer, earning money and staying off the streets and out of trouble. Governor Doyle already showcased his willingness to partner with me when he allocated $500,000 in state funds that will allow us to put 300 additional kids to work in this program.

Since I took office, I have increased the police budget $15.3 million which has funded 185 recruits. In 2006, the Police Department budget was $207 million, 97% of the total property tax levy of $213 million. The addition of 40 officers would bring the total operating cost of the Police Department to a level that will essentially equal the entire property tax levy.

As a result of the 10-year stagnation of state shared revenue, this commitment to police resources is going to come at a cost to other City services and will force difficult decisions as we finalize the City's budget for 2007."

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