Table of Contents
A message from the Acting Chief of Police
Mission & Vision Statement
Core Values
District Updates
Community Transparency
Milwaukee Breaks a Record
October Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Gone but Never Forgotten
Milwaukee's Finest - Inspector Willie O. Murphy
Reckless Driving
Happy Thanksgiving
Michael J. Brunson
“The Milwaukee Police Department is committed to working and engaging with our community to ensure that all of our neighborhoods are safe, vibrant and livable.”
Hello Milwaukee,
Welcome to the fall edition of the Guardians. As many of you know, the Milwaukee Police Department will have a new Chief of Police soon and, therefore, this is one of my last correspondences. I would like to first say, it has been an honor and privilege to serve and protect the City of Milwaukee and my sincere thanks goes out to the community for your trust given during this challenging time.
The Fall of 2020 had some very difficult realities from COVID-19, the tragic loss of Community Service Officer, Naeem Sarosh, the increase in senseless road rage incidents and the record homicide rate. In addition, budget cuts have reduced our sworn strength by an additional 120 police officers, after a reduction of 60 police officers last year. It has not been an easy year for many. Milwaukee Police Department's mission continues to be to protect and serve with transparency.
With the holiday season upon us, I would like to remind everyone to stay vigilant, stay healthy and stay safe. Milwaukee is a strong city with a rich sense of culture and pride. We will get through this pandemic; however, we need to continue to work together in order to keep our city safe. I ask everyone to slow down, drive safely and think about your actions prior to responding. Do not respond out of anger. Instead take a deep breath and really think about the repercussions of your decisions. We have lost way far too many lives this year and the only way that will stop is if “we” as Milwaukeeans vow to make a change.
When I started my law enforcement career, it was impossible to foresee all of the different, rewarding, and challenging assignments I would achieve. From beginning as a Police Officer in 1995 to becoming the Acting Chief of Police in 2020, I have learned countless lessons that will help guide me through the next chapter in my life. In this edition of the Guardians, you will find stories, pictures and videos of Milwaukee Police working with the community. The community engagement our officers take pride in is one of the most important aspects of their job. The impact is apparent and needed during this difficult time. We truly are in this together.
As my career with the Milwaukee Police Department comes to an end, it was an honor to help protect Milwaukee families, homes and businesses. Raising my right hand as I was sworn in 25 years ago is one of the proudest moments in my life. The Milwaukee Police Department is a large, diverse law enforcement agency that I am confident will continue to improve as the next Chief of Police takes over. I am honored to have worked alongside some of the best in this profession. I wish you all the best.
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.
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.
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 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.
Along with the rest of city, the District One community team is learning to adapt. Meetings and presentations are being held virtually online so we can continue to provide information to citizens. As we all adapt and the holidays approach the community keeps the spirit alive.
Recently, friends and family of the "University Club" have also adapted to the times. The annual "This Party Sock" event is in it's sixth year. The group gathers to collect brand new socks for men, women, and children that will be donated to local homeless shelters. This year to work around restrictions and keep everyone safe, guests were allowed to drive up and drop off new socks. Over 2400 new pair of socks were collected and the District One Officers helped pick up and distribute the socks to The Guest House and Milwaukee Cathedral Center on behalf of this gracious group.
District one is staffed with a small Community team with limited resources, but they try to fill the needs of the citizens they serve. The 2020 Calendar year started off with a substantial amount of requests for Safety and Active Shooter presentations from; neighborhood groups, private companies, faith base groups, and other originations. Before conducting the presentation, the District team would meet with representatives of the organization and conduct a security check of the property which gave them an awareness of areas which lacked security.
In light of the tragic deaths across the country, the District One team was invited to participate in listening sessions along with other districts. Our Writing Blocks K-12 Literary Cohorts organized students from US Grant Middle School to view Angie Thomas’ “The hate you give,” a tragic film of an officer involved shooting of a young black male. After viewing the film, students sat down with Milwaukee police officers for open dialog and to discuss historic issues surrounding the relationship between citizens and police. This offered student leaders a platform to voice their opinions and/or concerns, and opened a discussion on how to form a partnership to figure out ways to improve social justice. This helped pave a path to building community engagement and a positive partnership with young leaders in the city.
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
Block Build MKE2020 - Revitalize Milwaukee
Crime and Safety meeting hosted by Christ-St. Peter Lutheran School
Night Community Walk with Safe and Sound and Alderman Perez
Outside Crime and Safety meeting hosted by KK River Neighbors In Action
Clean up with La Comunidad MKE
Captain Salazar hosted a Meet and Greet with Mujeres Con Poder, a local south-side organization
Knights of Columbus delivered coats, hats, and scarfs for the January 3 Kings event
Steve, the owner of Wisconsin Knitwear, Inc, dropped of a box of winter hats for officers to give out to the community
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 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
Buying or selling an item online?
Please consider using District 4 located at 6929 W. Silver Spring Dr. Milwaukee, WI 53218 or District 2 located at 245 W. Lincoln Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53207 as your new Online Purchase Safe Zone. 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.
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
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
Police Officers Garcia and Ward, who work as Community Liaison Officers (CLO) state they take pride in our community and all the wonderful partnerships they have formed with community members, schools, and businesses. "There are so many beautiful people who care and work so hard to better our community", stated Officer Ward.
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.
When a neighborhood within the district expressed their concerns from crime and nuisance properties, District 7 Captain Jeffrey Sunn, Sergeant Eileen Ross, Community Liaison Officers and representatives from the city participated in a neighborhood walk with Alderman Khalif Rainey, Safe and Sound Coordinator Rebecca Wayman. This facilitated an open dialog with residents regarding their neighborhood to address any concerns they currently had.
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 crime statistics through Nov 2020. 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.
Memories are NOT Enough!!
Domestic Violence Resources City of Milwaukee
24-hour crisis help lines
Sojourner Family Peace Center Phone number: 933-2722
Milwaukee Women's Center Phone number: 671-6140
National Domestic Violence Hotline Phone number: 1-800-799-7233
Shelters
Guest House - Phone number: 345-3240
Milwaukee Women's Center Refuge: Phone number: 671-6140
Salvation Army Phone number: 265-6360
The Milwaukee Police Department mourns the loss of Naeem Sarosh, who served the Milwaukee Police Department as a Community Service Officer for the past four years. Officer Sarosh's inviting smile and gentle personality will be dearly missed in our community and our agency. Our thoughts and prayers remain with his family and friends. Thank you, Officer Sarosh for all you have done for our community.
Inspector Murphy began his career with the Milwaukee Police Department in 1996 and upon graduating from the police academy, he was assigned to District 2. Several years later, he would became a field training officer and he said that this is what led to his desire to serve in continually increased level of responsibilities in the department by way of the supervisory ranks. As such, he then promoted in 2002 to police sergeant. In that role, he served in a variety of street and administrative capacities throughout the department; including Districts 1 and 3, the Internal Affairs Division, the Technical Communications Division and the Court Administration Section. Having gained nearly 14 years of supervisory experience in the police sergeant rank, in 2016 he promoted to police lieutenant where he served as a shift commander in District 4 and District 5. In 2018, he promoted to captain of police and served as the commanding officer of District 7. In August of 2020, as he neared the start of his 25th year with the Milwaukee Police Department, he was promoted to inspector of police where he currently serves the patrol bureau.
Road Rage Awareness and Prevention
Aggressive/Reckless driving and road rage continues to be a sometimes deadly issue in the City of Milwaukee. When provoked, angry drivers have been known to commit acts of violence, including assaults and homicide. It is important to recognize the warning signs of aggressive/reckless driving to avoid becoming a victim. Examples of aggressive/reckless driving include: tailgating, cutting off other vehicles, careless lane changes, speeding, and running red lights. Extremely aggressive/reckless driving can lead to road rage.
2020 Statistics
In 2020, there were 2034 reports of reckless vehicles. This is down 20% from the 2549 reported in 2019.
Arrests for reckless driving dropped 8% from 2019 (568) to 2020 (521).
Reckless Driving Citations issued in 2020 (3558) were 17% less than 2019 (4273)
Reckless Driving with Speeding saw a 19% increase from 2019 (12,595) to 2020 (14,945)
Fatal Crashes are up by 59%. In 2020 there were 70 compared to 44 in 2019.
What is Road Rage? - Obscene gestures, verbal assaults, aggressively following vehicles, intentionally crashing into vehicles, and threatening to or using weapons. In order to avoid engaging in a situation with a driver you suspect may be violent here are some steps you should take every time you get behind the wheel:
Avoid offending other drivers - Some things that commonly provoke drivers to commit acts of violence include:
Being cut off by other vehicles
Being tailgated
Drivers who do not signal their turns or lane changes
Driving behind a slow-moving vehicle in the fast lane of traffic
Drivers who do not pay attention because of cell phone use, looking for an address, applying makeup or being overcautious
Drivers stopping in a traffic lane to pick-up or drop-off passengers
Motorcyclists splitting traffic
Improper use of hi-beam headlights
Inconsiderate municipal bus and taxicab drivers, and being the object of obscene gestures
Do not engage other drivers
Avoid engaging other drivers, even if they have done something to make you angry or vice versa. Put as much distance between you and the other driver as possible and avoid making eye contact. Never pull off the roadway to confront another driver.
Change your attitude and approaches to driving - Avoid creating a competitive situation with another driver, even if they are at fault. In the end, it is a lose/lose situation that can cost you your life. Try not to take another person’s bad driving personally. Their problems on and off the road have nothing to do with you.
Keep your anger in check - When someone is upset or under stress, sometimes all it takes is something trivial to set a person on a course to road rage. These things might include excessive vehicle horn noise, someone taking too long to move at a green light or loud music from another vehicle. But none of these minor annoyances is worth putting you or others at risk.
The following tips should help you avoid having a stressful time behind the wheel:
· Learn to manage the stress in your life
· Try to avoid driving when you are angry
· Allow plenty of time to get where you are going
· Listen to traffic and weather reports to learn of traffic delays
· Listen to soothing music while driving
If you suspect another driver is targeting you for an act of road rage or you are being followed, go to a safe place such as a police, fire or gas station where there are people and call 911.
Credits:
Created with images by Tom Barrett - "Milwaukee Sunrise" • 2dogspoopin0 - "accident car accident crash" • steingraeber - "auto bmw 320i" • distelAPPArath - "pumpkin halloween decoration"