Number
060643
Version
SUBSTITUTE 2
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. DONOVAN, BAUMAN, BOHL, DUDZIK, D’AMATO, ZIELINSKI, HAMILTON, WITKOWSKI, DAVIS, PUENTE AND HINES
Title
Substitute resolution relating to the development of an anti-violence campaign in the city of Milwaukee.
Analysis
This resolution calls upon the Mayor of the City of Milwaukee and the Chief of Police, together with the Milwaukee County Sheriff, the District Attorney, the Wisconsin Attorney General, the United States Attorney and other local agencies, including the Common Council, to initiate and guide the process of developing an anti-violence campaign within the city of Milwaukee, modeled after programs that have been implemented in other cities, namely Boston, Massachusetts, Oakland, California and High Point, North Carolina. This initiative would have as its priority the identification of 150 individuals whom police believe are responsible for much of the violent crime within the city. This anti-violence campaign would further provide for the communication of severe consequences, such as intense police scrutiny, federal prosecution and incarceration, to the 150 for continued criminal behavior. In addition, positive opportunities such as job training, job placement and substance abuse counseling for those who decide to reform their lifestyles would be presented to the identified individuals. The Mayor and the Chief of Police are requested to submit the anti-violence plan and recommendations for its implementation to the Common Council for its approval within 120 days after the adoption of this resolution.
Body
Whereas, Public safety in the City of Milwaukee is among the highest priorities for maintaining tranquility, security and a positive quality of life for citizens; and
Whereas, Continuing violence, especially gun-related violence, in various Milwaukee neighborhoods is a cause for concern and is deserving of the maximum attention of the city’s elected officials and law enforcement; and
Whereas, In the United States, cities such as Oakland, California, Boston, Massachusetts and High Point, North Carolina have adopted anti-violence plans that identify individuals whom police believe are responsible for violent crime; and
Whereas, These anti-violence plans communicate the negative and severe consequences of continued criminal activities including increased police surveillance and scrutiny and referral for federal charges, many of which carry enhanced penalties; and
Whereas, These anti-violence plans provide positive initiatives such as job training services, job placement and referrals and assistance for substance abuse for reformed and constructive behaviors; and
Whereas, In two years of experience (1996-1998) with Boston, Massachusetts’ anti-violence plan known as “Operation Ceasefire,” the city realized a 71% decrease in homicides by persons ages 24 and under and a 70% reduction in gun assaults for all ages; and
Whereas, Resources and leadership reside within the City of Milwaukee to implement an anti-violence plan that secures and enhances a positive quality of life for the Milwaukee public as well as challenges the negative and destructive behaviors of the few; and
Whereas, Due to the large number of agencies involved, it is essential that the Mayor, in conjunction with the Common Council, designate a lead agency or individual to coordinate and guide this process; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Mayor of the City of Milwaukee and the Chief of Police in conjunction with the Milwaukee County Sheriff, the District Attorney, the Wisconsin Attorney General, the United States Attorney and their representatives, and the Common Council and other agencies as appropriate, develop and implement an anti-violence initiative for the city of Milwaukee; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the priority of any of the components developed in this initiative be the identification of 150 individuals within the city who are believed to be responsible for the initiation and continuation of violent crime in Milwaukee; and, be it
Further Resolved, That further components of this initiative include the communication of severe consequences for continued criminal behavior including increased local and federal law enforcement surveillance and referral for federal charges as well as the availability of positive and constructive opportunities such as job training, job placement and substance abuse counseling for the 150 individuals identified if these individuals should decide to end their criminal activities; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Mayor and the Chief of Police are requested to submit the anti-violence plan and recommendations for its implementation to the Common Council within 120 days after the adoption of this resolution.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB 06452-3
mar
09/14/2006