The criminal justice system got a needed shot in the arm from Governor Tony Evers recently that will help in many ways. This is part of continued support as the governor has sent $45 million dollars in federal funds to public safety not long ago. The latest funds $50 million dollars will have a variety of uses. It will be divided between law enforcement and crime prevention programs. The court system has been very backed up because of the pandemic and money is needed to start clearing and catching up with these cases. Most of the money will be spent in the Milwaukee area. The courts will get about $14 million dollars to extend hours and expand staffing. The goal is to clear about 100 extra cases each week.
Statewide law enforcement will receive about $19 million dollars. It will be given out through a formula that relies on population and levels of crime. The Milwaukee Police Department will get about $3 million dollars the most. The governor stated referring to crime “there are more things we can do”. He continued “and this is another public health crisis that deserves our actions. That work continues today”.
Homicides and violent crime have spiked in Milwaukee and across the country the past few years while the pandemic was going on. There will also be money to help modify roadways to improve safety. This will help pedestrians and drivers. Reckless driving continues to be a problem throughout the city. If you drive the area of North 27th Street between Wisconsin Ave and Highland Blvd, you will see new road designs that are already helping. The four corners at the intersections extend with barriers out into the street making it very hard for cars to past on the right side. Illegal right-side passing is a very big problem in the city. I watched closely when I was driving in the area, and this helped a lot.
Money will also be used to help with the State Public Defender’s office, $5.5 million, plus $5.7 million to fill prosecutor positions. The State Crime Lab will get $5 million dollars also. All these funds should greatly help the entire criminal justice system and is much needed.
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