MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Common Council Steering and Rules Committee met Thursday to discuss a 10 percent cut from the Milwaukee Police Department.
According to the meeting's agenda, the committee planned to discuss reducing the department's budget by 10 percent. A plan was released Thursday that detailed what those changes could look like and what it would mean for the Milwaukee Police Department.
Those $30 million would be used to support other resources such as fair and quality housing, violence prevention and mental health services, officials said.
The department's budget for 2020 was $297.4 million. A ten percent cut to the budget leaves the department with a $267.6 million budget.
In contrast, MPD is looking to increase its 2021 budget by 18.5 percent to $315.9 million.
Unfilled vacancies: City analysis showed its expects between 120 and 150 MPD vacancies between now and the end of 2021. Positions that would likely have to go unfulled. Cuts beyond that will likely come from seniority-based layoffs.
Community Service Officers: Would likely see expanded roles. There are currently 25 CSO positions in MPD. Only nine of those positions are filled.
The CSOs would do the following under this plan, if implemented:
Respond to non-emergency, low-priority calls for service, including theft, non-injury traffic accidents or vandalism.
Inspect property damage and accident sites and take photos; canvas for and interview witnesses.
Document observations, determine findings and prepare reports.
Based upon investigation and assessment, determine whether sworn law enforcement should be called to the scene.
Testify in court and provide depositions, as required.
Take and file complaints from individuals who walk into the Police stations, as directed.
Assist Community Liaison Officers with nuisance property investigations.
Respond to call-outs in cases of severe weather and natural disasters.
Provide services at special events, including traffic control.
Other, structural changes will have to be made, including moving Internal Affairs from within the Milwaukee Police Department.
For a full look at the report, click here.
