This past Monday I attended the monthly District 7 community meeting in which officers give updates on different issues going on within the district. The specific area covers part of the Sherman Park neighborhood on the near north and west sides of the city. I do live in this district but in the future, I will attempt to cover other districts to give everyone a better picture of what is occurring across the city. The main discussion this day was an analyst from the Sensitive Crimes Division talking about the sexual offender lists and the people in which they monitor on those lists. Most people are concerned about sexual offenders who get out of prison and now where they are living. You hear it on the news many people do not want them living in their neighborhoods.
The Milwaukee Sex Offender Ordinance covers anyone who has committed an offense against a child. It defines a child as anyone under 16 years-of age. The offenders must be released back into the community or county in which the offense occurred. If they are still under supervision the decision on where they live is made on a case-by-case basis by their agent. MPD has the obligation to disseminate to the neighbor’s information on the registered sex offenders. In addition to children some offenders have committed violent crimes against adults. There are about 2800 people under supervision across the city, in which six hundred live in this district. These offenders are required to register and be on this list. You must notify the agent every time you move or change your phone number.
Rule 980 allows where you can and cannot live depending on your offense. These are the worst of the worst and cannot live around schools or areas where kids would be. Some property owners do not mine renting to these offenders. The biggest way to stay safe is talking with and knowing your neighbors. The worst offenders are also on GPS and monitored 24 hours around the clock. In addition, parents should talk with their kids about strangers and what to watch out for. When they complete their time, most will still be on the registry. The state and city plus county all go out during Halloween to make sure these offenders are not giving candy or having kids come to their homes. 175 homes visits were conducted this past Halloween. If there are any questions you can contact the Sensitive Crimes Division at 414-935-7405.
Before finishing officers mentioned a few other events of notice. On Friday, December 2, the district will be at The Pick N Save, 5700 W. Capitol Drive, for the MPD Bell Ringing Challenge. This is the help collect funds for the Salvation Army. In addition, the Annual Holiday Drive to collect coats will by going on November 21 through December 12, 2022. Coats can be brought to various libraries, city hall, and the courthouse. The police department also has a coat drive for kids along with mittens, hats, and scarves.
Everyone have a safe Thanksgiving.