What would you say if you had a chance to tell someone a unique way of dealing with safety in the City of Milwaukee? That is the concept behind the public safety listening session that was held tonight at the Evolve Church, 6550 N. 76th Street. We were advised these sessions have been going on now for over two years. This is the eighteen session so far with them being held in each aldermanic district among the areas. This event is being held by the Milwaukee Police Department, in partnership with the Community Collaborative Commission, the Fire and Police Commission, the Office of Community Wellness and Safety and the Mayers Strategic Solution, LLC. A city-wide plan is being developed to reimagine public safety through public input.
Carlton T. Mayers, of Mayers Strategic Solutions, led the discussion tonight. There was a good turnout of citizens that attended the event. A question was put up on the screen which they wanted everyone in attendance to answer. We were advised to log in at a website then put in a password with our cell phone or I Pad. Your answers then would appear on the screen for discussion. The more your answers were repeated by others the larger the words would appear on the screen. The first topic was identifying what characteristics of a safe community are not present within your neighborhood. Some of the main responses were block watch, police presence, child safety, safe driving, engaged neighbors, etc. There were other responses, but these came up the most. Mr. Mayers would go around the room and ask people to comment on these responses. There was a diverse group of people in attendance from neighborhoods and community groups.
The second question was what are some solutions to bring the characteristics of a safe community to your neighborhood? The main repeated responses here were engaged residents, youth engagement, knowing your neighbors, community outreach, police presence, empower the community, accountability, and togetherness. Mr. Mayers again went around the room to get people to expand and talk about their responses. He stated during the time they held these sessions it was good to see everything was not falling on the police to solve. The police cannot be everywhere but are a big part of the solution. He continued from the responses the youth situation appeared on the minds of many people. We need to get a better handle on the youth to help in the neighborhoods. Many thought there was an issue with parents not taking more responsibility for their children’s behavior.
The last topic was what are you willing to do to ensure these charcatetiscas are present within your neighborhood? Answers were a good neighbor, community outreach, lead by example, be involved, Block watch, share information and share resources. Mr. Mayers said it is a lot of community outreach here in Milwaukee. Everyone seems to understand that MPD cannot again be everywhere all the time. We all must step up and help with the safety of our city.
The final topic was what do you wish to see more of from the police? The main answers were patience, beat police officers, open to feedback, more positive interaction, improved 911 training, less intimidation, and more events like this.