Madison Reporter

A group of Wisconsin legislators has addressed Mayor Cavalier Johnson in a letter, expressing concern about rising violence in Milwaukee, particularly in the downtown area. The lawmakers referenced calls from citizens for immediate action and noted that some have even suggested deploying the National Guard to address the situation.

"Deadly reckless driving, increased homicides, and now a proliferation of violence in the downtown area, including Water Street, have reached a breaking point. Milwaukee and law enforcement agencies across the state have struggled to recruit and retain officers to protect our streets. However, this cannot continue to serve as an excuse for inaction," the legislators wrote.

The letter criticizes the Milwaukee Police Department's recent decision to move officers from other neighborhoods to downtown as a temporary response. Legislators argue that such reallocations do not offer a sustainable solution and may worsen enforcement gaps elsewhere.

"In response to a recent string of violence on Water Street, MPD announced it is moving officers from other deserving neighborhoods to address issues downtown, but this will not resolve the issue and may worsen the lack of enforcement in neighborhoods that desperately need it. The challenges facing public safety and MPD are significant, but reallocating officers from one area to another is not a sustainable solution," they stated.

The legislators outlined two key requests for Mayor Johnson: urging Police Chief Norman to temporarily reorganize MPD so more sworn officers can be assigned to street patrols—including senior command staff—and resolving the ongoing labor dispute between the Milwaukee Police Association and the city. They note that officers have been working without a contract for nearly three years, impacting morale and recruitment efforts.

"Second, it is imperative that the labor agreement between the Milwaukee Police Association and the City of Milwaukee be immediately resolved. Officers working without a contract for nearly three years is unacceptable, leaving officers feeling like second-class employees. This situation has eroded morale among the police ranks and made recruiting new officers nearly impossible," according to their letter.

The legislators emphasized their willingness to support local officials but insisted that responsibility lies with city leadership: "The City of Milwaukee needs every available sworn officer out on our streets protecting our citizens and restoring law and order. While we stand committed to assisting in any way possible, the actions of local officials will ultimately determine the safety of Milwaukee’s residents."

One legislator involved is Robert Donovan, who was elected as a Republican representative for Wisconsin's 61st House district in 2025 after Amanda Nedweski stepped down.