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The Guardians The Official Milwaukee Police Department Newsletter Winter 2020-2021 Edition

Table of Contents

A Message from the Acting Chief of Police

Mission & Vision Statement

Core Values

District Updates

Community Transparency

Traffic Safety Unit - Reckless Driving Prevention Tips

Winter Driving Tips

January - National Slavery & Human Trafficking Awareness Month

Milwaukee's Finest - Inspector Waldner

A Message from

the Acting Chief of Police

Jeffrey B. Norman

The Milwaukee Police Department is committed to working with our community and system partners to continue to build sustainable neighborhoods free of crime that are built on positive relationships.

Greetings Milwaukeeans,

I am Acting Chief Jeffrey Norman. As I take this opportunity to introduce myself, first allow me to say how proud I am to represent the dedicated men and women of the Milwaukee Police Department as the Acting Police Chief. I joined the Milwaukee Police Department as an officer in 1996 and have had the honor to work my way through the ranks until December 23, 2020, when I was appointed as the Acting Chief of the Milwaukee Police Department. I do not take this new responsibility lightly.

As a lifelong resident of the City of Milwaukee and a public servant, my first priority is to address the impact of violent crime on this community. 2020 was a challenging year in regards to homicides, non-fatal shootings and fatal crashes, all in the context of a global pandemic. It is imperative to address the violent crime and reckless driving in our city. I pledge to work with community organizations, elected officials and law enforcement partners to combat the increase of crime we are experiencing.

One of the most important steps in addressing crime is community engagement. We need to work with the community proactively, rather than waiting for an invitation. We need to understand what community engagement means through meaningful dialogue with community stakeholders, city leaders, business owners, our neighbors, victims of crime and even suspects because at the end of the day, this information is what enables us to be efficient and effective as we serve and protect.

We must be accountable to ourselves and to each other. Members of the Milwaukee Police Department must be held accountable for their actions no matter their rank or status. As Acting Chief, I am held to the same standard as anyone who works for this organization. We all must adhere to our mission statement, our core values and our standard operating procedures in order to be trusted and legitimate in the eyes of the people we serve.

As your Acting Police Chief, my vision for this department is that every member of this organization will work humanely with each other and all members of our community to build sustainable neighborhoods, free of crime, which are built on positive relationships. Working together to establish our goals and fully understanding them will allow us to know how we can achieve success. This type of interaction, both internally and externally, is built on fairness, being genuine and operating with the utmost integrity, which, in turn, builds trust and openness. I embrace a culture that allows for courageous leaders to evolve on all levels and solidifies a team through truthful dialog while identifying paths to improvement.

In closing, please know I have faith that as a community we can work together to face head on the many challenges we expect in 2021, and we can combat the crime we are experiencing through accountability, fairness, positive open relationships and integrity. Milwaukeeans are a strong, diverse culture that is not afraid to have tough conversations, work hard and stand up for a safe and inclusive city where all can live, work and succeed. Together, we can have a safe and healthy 2021.

Thank you,

Acting Chief Jeffrey Norman

Our Vision

A safe and inclusive Milwaukee where all can live, work and raise a family protected by a police department with the highest level of integrity.

Our Mission

In collaboration with the community, we endeavor to reduce crime and disorder through intelligence-led and problem-oriented policing.

Picture Courtesy of - Photojournalist, Mike De Sisti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Core Values

COMPETENCE

We are prudent stewards of the public’s grant of authority and resources. We are accountable for the quality of our performance and the standards of our conduct. We are exemplary leaders and exemplary followers.

COURAGE

We place the safety of others before our own and accept our moral responsibility to take action against injustice and wrongdoing. Police members are expected to take prudent risks on behalf of the public.

INTEGRITY

We recognize the complexity of police work and exercise discretion in ways that are beyond reproach and worthy of public trust. Honesty and truthfulness are fundamental elements of integrity. It is our duty to earn public trust through consistent words and actions. We are honest in word and deed.

LEADERSHIP

We seek to influence human behavior to achieve organizational goals that serve the public while developing individuals, teams and the organization for future service. We accept our responsibility to be leaders, both within the community and among our peers, and for the actions of our colleagues and ourselves. We are all responsible for the performance, reputation and morale of the department.

RESPECT

We hold life in the highest regard. We treat all citizens and colleagues with dignity and respect, and are fair and impartial as we perform our duties.

RESTRAINT

We use the minimum force and authority necessary to accomplish a proper police purpose. We demonstrate self-discipline, even when no one is listening or watching.

District One is home to Downtown Milwaukee, UW-Milwaukee, the trendy East-side and the central business district. It’s home to 45,000 people and everything from skyscrapers to brownstones to refurbished warehouses.

Today, District One has a wide variety of differing population groups and neighborhoods as well as many businesses. Downtown is home to; large corporations, office buildings, restaurants, hotels and exciting night life and dining. Water Street and Old World Third Street are among the entertainment areas of downtown. District One is also home to University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (UWM), and the restaurants and shops and of E. North Avenue, Brady Street and Farwell Avenue.

Attractions include; Summerfest, the Performing Arts Center, Public and Art Museums and Discovery World, as well as many theaters and music venues. Jazz In The Park, River Rhythms, Farmers Markets, Parades, Air and Water Shows, Fireworks Displays, and Street Festivals, along with many more events that are held in District One.

The District One Police Station is located on the second floor of the Police Administration Building located at 749 W. State Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233.

Milwaukee Police Department Says Thank You to SC Johnson, A Family Company, for the Donation of 2,300 Bottles of Hand Sanitizer.

A resident of downtown Milwaukee is receiving a District One Challenge coin for her quick identification of a situation involving another citizen that was having a serious medical emergency. Due to her quick thinking and detail of this medical emergency, an ambulance and squad were dispatched to help and convey this person in need to a local hospital.
District One's Commander was proud to provide Quincy with a challenge coin and a meal to celebrate his 6th year anniversary of working at Pizza Shuttle. Keep doing a great job Quincy, it was our pleasure to celebrate with you.

Milwaukee Police Department District One Officers Mend Fences.

District One Officers went to The Home Depot to purchase gates for a Milwaukee resident who had her property damaged during a foot pursuit. The Home Depot stepped in and donated the gates. Officers assembled the gates and installed them for the resident.

Thanks to its revitalized warehouses, unique vibe and close proximity to downtown, District Two has become a culinary hot spot. It has always been a neighborhood of working-class people dotted with church steeples, factories and Polish flats.

District Two is located on the near south side of Milwaukee. District Two comprises a 7.2 square mile area with a district population in excess of 87,000 residents.

A primarily Polish neighborhood during the early 20th Century, District Two transitioned to a Latino population during the 21st Century and is now home to a rich mix of cultures and a population of over 87,000 people.

With a strong community focus, the district hosts many events and open houses to improve relations. Home to attractions like The Basilica of St. Josephat, Mitchell Park Domes and the burgeoning Walker’s Point neighborhood, it has become an entertainment destination. The district boasts an incredibly diverse population including a rich immigrant history as well as Hispanic and Latino populations as well as an active LGBTQ community.

The District Two Police Station is located at: 245 W. Lincoln Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53207

District Two Teams Up with Empower.MKE

EMPOWER.MKE offers young adults an alternative to entering the criminal justice system and becoming repeat offenders. The faith based program focuses on behavioral change, accountability, setting goals and obtaining those goals. "Barbershop Talks" enable engagement and open conversation with youth while they receive a free hair cut from International Cuts Salon and Barber Shop. The conversation is driven by the topics the youth want to discuss in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.

Three Kings Day

District Two along with the Milwaukee Police Department-Office of Community Outreach & Education, Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, NLLEO Milwaukee Chapter, Safe & Sound, and various organizations were able to provide 10 Milwaukee families with gifts, food, clothing in celebration of the Three Kings Day.

District Two was able to help over 140 families with food just in time for the holidays! They couldn’t have done this without the help from GOD TOUCH Milwaukee, Mujeres Con Poder, Mr. Travis Hope, and every volunteer who showed up. An extra special thanks to everyone who dropped off donations. This just proves that in times of need, our community comes together to help one another.
Photo Credit - Marquette Alumni Association

Encompassing the major thoroughfare of Wisconsin Avenue and home to Marquette University, Miller Brewery and the Milwaukee County Zoo. District Three has seen rapid revitalization in the form of capital investment, making it an up-and-coming area within Milwaukee.

District Three is located on the west side of Milwaukee and comprises an 11.8 square mile area with a district population in excess of 100,000 residents.

District Three’s neighborhoods are known for its renowned businesses and attractions such as the Pabst Mansion, Master Lock, Palermos Pizza, Wood National Cemetery, Hmong Friendship and many more businesses, hospitals and educational facilities.

The District Three Police Station is located at: 2333 N 49th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53210

District Three Takes a Proactive Approach to Mitigate Car Thefts

District Three's CLO's Officer Jones and Officer Williams, along with Patrol Officer Sanders, put their heads together to find a way to help the community with the growing number of stolen vehicles and came up with an idea. This idea was to gather as many steering wheel locks as possible and give them out to the community for free! That's right, for free! The wheel locks were distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies lasted. Captain Johnson and the District Three team gave out over 50 steering-wheel locks in just 37 minutes. There was a lot of dialogue and laughter with the community by strong partnerships with East Capital Walmart and other private donors.

District Three Picked Up 150 books from Next Door - Milwaukee to Give to Community Kids.

Home to nearly 70,000 people, District Four is the largest police district in Milwaukee by geographic area. Located on the North Side of the city, business, industrial and commercial parks line the perimeters, while larger residential lots make up spacious subdivisions.

District Four encompasses 28.8 square miles with a population of approximately 94,000 residents. The largest district in Milwaukee by area, District Four lies in the northwest corner of the city. Larger residential lots make up spacious subdivisions. Business, industrial and commercial parks line the perimeters. An abundance of green-space fills the district. District Four is the farthest district from downtown, yet, with its hard-working culture is just as much Milwaukee as a cream city brick.

The District Four Police Station is located at: 6929 W Silver Spring Dr. Milwaukee, WI 53218

District Four Officer Yang and Officer Presti received a commendation by a citizen who stated they noticed her elderly mother outside shoveling and instructed her to go inside to warm up. The Officers then proceeded to finish shoveling and even salted the driveway.

Dispose a Med

District Four partnered with Safe & Sound for a Drug Take Back Event at Growing Power. This provided a convenient and responsible way for the community to dispose of prescription drugs. Thanks Officer Janotta and Officer Placzek for providing citizens a safe environment to get rid of their unwanted/expired medications.

Shop with a Cop

District Four and Walmart partnered for Shop with a Cop to help families in need. A wonderful time was had by all. Thank you again Walmart for your generosity.

The Officers of District Four are Working Hard to Keep Our Neighborhoods Safe.

Two investigations in the the Old Milwaukee neighborhood on January 26, 2021, resulted in the arrest of two suspected drug dealers. Officers recovered over 7.5 pounds of marijuana and cocaine with a street value of over $12,000 and an illegal firearm.

On February 12. 2021, District Four Officers conducted a search warrant into an ongoing drug dealing and illegal firearm investigation. Officers took 3 guns, a ballistic vest, over 3 pounds of marijuana, 45 grams of cocaine, 43 grams of methamphetamine pills, 1 gram of deadly fentanyl, and over $10,000 in cash into evidence.

District Four Officers served a search warrant on a home in the Old North Milwaukee neighborhood connected to an ongoing drug dealing and illegal gun investigation on March 1, 2021. Along with a number of people who were taken into custody, recovered were three illegal firearms and over 20 grams of cocaine. While at the residence numerous people from the neighborhood stopped to thank the Officers and expressed gratitude for shutting down the suspected drug house.

Report illegal drug activity in your neighborhood by calling your District or Milwaukee Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-TIPS utilizing the P3 Tips app.

Buying or Selling an Item Online?

Please consider using one of our Online Purchase SAFE ZONES located at all MPD Districts. Due to the uptick in crimes relating to online purchases, we now have this safe area for you to meet. Please tell your family and friends about the SAFE ZONE.

Home to diverse and vibrant neighborhoods as well as some of Milwaukee’s most prominent historical buildings. From Arlington Heights to Bronzeville, Harambee to Riverwest, the district boasts both old homes and new developments.

This area of the city is home to diverse and vibrant neighborhoods as well as some of Milwaukee’s most prominent historical buildings. In the south of the district lies the young, hip Riverwest area and the Brewers Hill neighborhood with its array of historic architecture. To the north, lie the Arlington Heights neighborhood and Harambee, a name derived from the Swahili word for “Pulling Together.” Through their strong churches and community centers who partner with MPD, that’s exactly what they do, pull together to give hope for the future.

District five boasts both old homes and new developments. But the North-side’s most valuable asset is a solid core of community-minded people. Residents who work hard to make their neighborhood a better place to live.Large corporations employing over 16,000 people, including American Motors and AO Smith, closed their doors leaving a challenging environment for residents. Business districts were created in these former areas, which include Century City and Riverworks and are revitalizing the neighborhoods of District Five and creating additional employment.

The District Five Police Station is located at 2920 N. 4th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212

Partners in Hope (PIH) is a PRISONER REENTRY PROGRAM based off a very successful reentry program out of Las Vegas called Hope for Prisoners . Partners in Hope is a division of Community Warehouse (CW), a non-profit building supply store which employs the background challenged from the city of Milwaukee. CW seeks life transformation through the dignity of work based on Biblical principles. PARTNERS IN HOPE is a voluntary, faith-based, 18-month, collaborative effort between volunteers from the law enforcement, faith, and business communities to build mentoring relationships with participants that instill positive life skills and values for sustainable employment to be achieved. PIH seeks to develop faith, nurture hope, and model love in life and work by providing accountability, employment, and resources necessary for their success. Because PIH is a voluntary, faith-based program. Each potential participant is informed at the beginning of the spiritual emphasis of the program. Principles such as grace, hope, honesty, integrity, respect, loving your neighbor, serving one another, caring for those in need, and the dignity of work are core to the program. After 18 months, the goal is to see the previously incarcerated living the life they only dreamed of by maintaining sustainable employment, increasing their skills, retaining reliable transportation, living free of addictions, living in stable housing, maturing in their faith, living a healthy lifestyle, experiencing positive family relationships, maturing in interpersonal skills, and contributing back to their community.
On February 19, 2021, Inspector Shunta Boston-Smith and Captain David Feldmeier attended the graduation of Partners in Hope Re-entry Program. Inspector Boston-Smith extended an warm welcome and commitment to their successful re-entry and Captain Feldmeier delivered the graduates of Partners in Hope Re-entry Program their Oath. Congratulations to the graduates!

Officer Harris never passes up an opportunity to have positive engagement with the youth. On February 15, 2021, Officer Harris had an honest discussion about what its like to be a Police Officer.

Award for Exemplary and Dedicated Service to Protect the Community

Pastor Devern Suggs and First Lady Lois Suggs, of the Christ Temple Church of God in Christ, graciously honored Captain Feldmeier at Sunday Service for District Five's exemplary and dedicated service to protect the community. Captain Feldmeier humbly accepted the award on behalf of the hard working men and women of the Milwaukee Police Department, especially District Five.

The most populous district with over 114,000 people, District Six includes Mitchell International Airport and the Polonia neighborhood. Here, you’ll find two-story wood-frame homes, classic bungalows, corner taverns and many remnants of Milwaukee’s past.

Special thanks to Historic Hwy 41 aka South 27th Street for the amazing updates to our bus shelters.

This far South Side district also has a growing Latino population, in addition to the traditional Polish ethnicity that originally inhabited the district starting in the 1890s. The district is home to a large and diverse population as well as some of Milwaukee’s most iconic attractions including Leon’s Frozen Custard, South Shore Yacht Club, South Shore Beach, Chill on the Hill and Humboldt Park.

The District Six Police Station is located at 3006 S. 27th Street, Milwaukee, WI

District Six had a Very Active Holiday Season!

District Six worked with our community partner, the Salvation Army Milwaukee Cold Spring and was able to provide food boxes to many community members before the holidays.

Community Member Gives the Gift of Kindness

Katie wanted to bring some happiness to someone in the community. She works at On the Clock Bar and Grill, and with the owner's permission she ran with her idea. Katie was so grateful for the patrons who donated to her idea. District Six was so pleased to hear what Katie wanted to do so they contributed to her idea as well. Katie was given information regarding a family in need. She purchased and wrapped all the gifts. On Christmas Day District Six was able to drop off the gifts to the family. District Six wanted to share this story because they appreciate working with people like Katie. 2020 was filled with so much love and District Six is so thankful for all the partnerships cultivated. A special thanks to Katie.

A Family, a Local Business and District Six make Christmas Special!

When a District Six family was identified as needing a stove, Officers reached out to a local business and were able to purchase one for the family. A special thanks to Sara's Appliances for the great deal, delivery, and installation.
District Six was out spreading some holiday cheer. District Officers and community partners purchased some gifts for some lucky children. With the help of an anonymous donor, they were also able to provide some food boxes.

District Six dropped off some toys for Todo Postres Toy Drive. During our meeting, Ulises came to donate a few gifts. He was given some money and he decided to purchase gifts for the community, instead of spending it on himself. Way to go Ulises.

Over 110,000 diverse people call this district home. With its tree-lined streets, an accessible location to downtown and many affordable homes, including several architecturally unique buildings, it’s no wonder why the area has become so popular.

District Seven comprises a 13.32 square mile area with a district population in excess of 102,000 residents, making it a city to itself. Originally, it was home to Milwaukee’s first business owners during the 1920s and 1930s, when the area represented the furthest part of the city. Later, it was the heart of the Jewish community. Now, District Seven features a large, diverse population. With its tree-lined streets, an accessible location to downtown and many affordable homes, including several architecturally unique buildings, it’s obvious why District Seven has become so popular.

On the eastern end of the district is a portion of the Century City industrial complex. The Westside of the district features parks like Kahl Park, Sherman Park, Dineen Park, Kops Park, Cooper Park, Nash Park and Lindsay Park. It’s also home to many distinct and vibrant neighborhoods such as Sherman Park, Grasslyn Manor, Enderis Park and the area around Mt. Mary University.

Proposal Stop

When Taylor contacted Milwaukee Police Department District Seven and asked for help proposing to his girlfriend, Liana, they were happy to help. Take a look at the day that changed their lives forever. Congratulations Taylor and Liana and Happy Valentine’s Day!

District 7 Officers joined the Milwaukee Police Department Office of Community Outreach & Education, the Cops for Kids Foundation and the Milwaukee Admirals at Red Arrow Park Ice Skating Rink on North Water Street on Jan 30, 2021.

On February 2, 2021, Chief Jeffrey Norman, the Milwaukee Police and the MPD Office of Community Outreach and Education all gathered at Butler Skateland with kids from Safe & Sound. The Police Officers started the event with an open sit-down conversation about good life choices, working together, and how to improve ongoing communication. The kids jumped right in and had great ideas on how the police can better interact with the community. Was a great, well-rounded discussion! Everyone enjoyed skating and of course the Milwaukee Admirals Roscoe! Lunch and refreshments were furnished by the Cops and Kids Foundation and the Milwaukee Admirals.

Adopt a Family

Two local families got some Christmas cheer courtesy of the Milwaukee Police Department Office of Community Outreach and Education. Officers presented the families with gifts purchased with donations from community partners and a woman who bought two carts full of items when she saw the Officers shopping for the event.

Milwaukee Police Officer Ronald Edwards Helping to Keep Milwaukee Safe with Courage, Sacrifice and Character in the Face of so Many Challenges.

Community Transparency

The Milwaukee Police Department values transparency therefore, we provide an interactive database to enable the public to access crime statistics for the City of Milwaukee. Below is a link to the current crime statistics. No matter what area of the city we serve, we guard and protect each community equally. We’re not waiting for change to happen. We are engaged in the community and active in every single Milwaukee neighborhood.

HOMICIDES AND NON FATAL SHOOTINGS HIT RECORD HIGHS

2018 - 2020

HOMICIDES

2018 - 92

2019 - 97

2020 - 190

NON - FATAL SHOOTINGS

2018 - 437

2019 - 452

2020 - 764

Milwaukee Police Department Implements a Traffic Safety Unit to Combat Reckless Driving

To reduce the amount of reckless driving, speeding and vehicular crashes from occurring in the City of Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Police Department has a created a new unit called the Traffic Safety Unit (TSU).

TSU is committed to a community partnership with the goal of creating a safer Milwaukee through the “Three E’s” by enforcing traffic laws (Enforcement), educating and partnering with the community in solving traffic problems (Education), and recommending traffic-engineering changes (Engineering).

The Milwaukee Police Department Traffic Safety Unit (TSU) utilizes High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) as a universal traffic safety approach designed to create deterrence and change unlawful traffic behaviors when it comes to Reckless Driving.

“The goal of the Traffic Safety Unit is to make the roads in the City of Milwaukee safer to travel on by targeting motorists that are engaged in reckless driving. I am asking for collaboration from the members of our community to be part of the solution by reporting reckless driving directly to the Traffic Safety Unit website. The Milwaukee Police Department is committed to working with our community and system partners to continue to build sustainable neighborhoods free of crime that are built on positive relationships,” - Acting Chief Jeffrey Norman.

January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Every year since 2010, the President has dedicated the month to raising awareness about the different forms of human trafficking, also known as modern slavery, and educating people about this crime and how to spot it. In January, the Department of State raises awareness of human trafficking domestically and abroad through U.S. embassies and consulates. We also celebrate the efforts of anti-trafficking organizations, communities of faith, state and local law enforcement, survivor advocates, businesses, and private citizens all around the world to promote this important cause. Everyone can play a part in ending human trafficking.

Human Trafficking Resources

24-hour crisis help lines

Sojourner Family Peace Center Phone number: 933-2722

Milwaukee Women's Center Phone number: 671-6140

The National Trafficking Hotline (888) 373-7888 (TTY: 711) or text: BeFree (233733)

Hope for Justice

Shelters

Guest House - Phone number: 345-3240

Milwaukee Women's Center Refuge: Phone number: 671-6140

Milwaukee's Finest

Inspector Nicole Waldner

Inspector Waldner became a Milwaukee Police Officer in 1996. In 2001, Inspector Waldner was promoted to Detective and was assigned to the Narcotics Division where she investigated multiple high profile investigations. In 2009, Inspector Waldner was promoted to Lieutenant and worked in Homicide Division, the Internal Affairs Division, and the Police Academy. She was promoted to the rank of Captain in August 2015 and was the commander of the Milwaukee Police Academy. Inspector Waldner oversees various trainings for more than 1,800 sworn police personnel, along with the department’s civilian personnel. Inspector Waldner was also responsible for training approximately 200 recruit officers yearly. In May 2020, Inspector Waldner was assigned to the HIDTA. In August 2020, Inspector Waldner was promoted to Inspector and was assigned to the Administration Bureau.

Hope You and Your Family had a Wonderful Holiday Season!

Stay Safe MKE!!

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