February 20, 2009 

NEWS FROM THE MAYOR

Dear Friends, 

This week, Police Chief Edward Flynn and I announced a 10 percent drop in violent crime in the city last year. It was a very proud moment for the chief, me and the City of Milwaukee.

Public safety has always been my top priority, and these numbers show that we are on the right track. Last year, we took 2,335 guns off the street and have already taken 270 off the street this year. We have seen a decrease in crime in all categories, with a staggering 32 percent drop in the number of homicides in 2008 compared to 2007, a 10 percent reduction in robberies and a 9.5 percent drop in aggravated assault. The number of homicides by firearm was cut in half.

These feats could not have been accomplished without the help of everyone in the community. Last year, when Chief Flynn and I announced the first of seven “Quick Win” plans to abate crime, we offered follow-up feedback sessions to give members of the public an opportunity to express their views on those policing efforts. The resulting plan was a collaboration among the police department, the Homicide Review Commission, the District Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Department of Corrections, the clergy and neighborhood groups.

I am pleased with the results of this cooperation. I also know there is more we can do to make Milwaukee even safer for its citizens. I will continue to set aside the funding necessary to continue these downward trends in crime. I will support and encourage the Department of Neighborhood Services’ work on nuisance properties, the Health Department’s focus on family violence prevention, and the numerous activities that the City Attorney’s Office engages in to reduce violence in our city.

I am proud to say that there were 3,000 fewer crime victims in Milwaukee last year, and I thank Chief Flynn, members of the police department and everyone who participated in crime abatement plans for making that happen. I look forward to more collaboration and continued success in the future.

Mayor, City of Milwaukee  

Chief Flynn announces the 10 percent decrease in violent crime in 2008 at a press conference held earlier this week.

Mayor Barrett praises the community effort that led to last year’s decrease in crime, including a staggering 32 percent reduction in the number of homicides compared to 2007.

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