In a little over 48 hours this past weekend there were 18 people shot in Milwaukee in various incidents with 4 dead. Two of the victims were teenagers, ages 14 and 15. 9 children have been victims of gun violence so far this year with most injured and survived. In some of the incidents more than one person was shot with arguments being one of the factors involved. Police advise there are too many guns out in the streets. Alcohol and drinking also comes into play with some of the violence. There appears to be no reason for some of these incidents. What can be done to deal with these incidents? Is there anything that really can be done that would have an effect?
In addition to the gun violence there were some really bad reckless driving incidents including at least two squad pursuits that ended in crashes. In one incident police were chasing a stolen vehicle wanted in an armed robbery. The pursuit ended with the vehicle crashing into a vehicle with two people inside. The couple was on a first date after meeting and going out to dinner. They were returning from the restaurant. The man was a passenger and was killed in the collision. The woman driver has a broken back and bruised lung. Five juveniles inside the stolen car were taken into custody. They ranged in age from 13 to 15 years old. Another violent collision in a squad pursuit occurred with serious injuries. Lastly a subject speeding hit a tree and was deceased at the scene.
The Mayor, Police Chief, Alderman and Community workers are very concerned about the level of violence this early in the year. The Mayor reported overall crime is down 15% over the past year but we still have a lot of work to do. The Chief reports we need the help of the citizens of Milwaukee because police can not do it alone. Earl Ingram, Head of the Voices of the Elders, talks and mentors kids along with other older males. He wants more volunteers to come out and help talk with these juveniles to give them advice on life. Lanelle Ramsey, of Mentor Greater Milwaukee, states they try to teach youth “how to handle conflict in a healthy way.”
Milwaukee is not alone with the violent start of the year. Atlanta had shots fired and violence in the streets over the weekend. There have been two mass shootings in California. It appears to me that there are too many juveniles out on the street after curfew hours. This leads to them being either victims or suspects in these incidents. Parents need to be fined if their kids are found out during these hours. Now I have advised this before but what about using overtime funds and some of the money we got from the federal government. Put a huge prisoner wagon on the northside and another one on the southside. Add three squads to each wagon then go around picking up juveniles on both sides of the town. We did this one year when I was still working. The juveniles were held at a Boys and Girls Club, till their parents picked them up. I know it might be a little much but what do we have to lose?