Evers Plans $2.2M For Milwaukee Police, Fences In Downtown Areas

MILWAUKEE, WI — Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced $2.2 million in funding for the Milwaukee Police Department on Monday, with one possible use including security fencing that could turn downtown Milwaukee entertainment areas into pedestrian-only zones.

Evers' announcement comes after a series of shootings on May 13 that police said left 21 people injured in Milwaukee's downtown areas after the Bucks lost to the Boston Celtics. The additional funding, which comes from the American Rescue Plan Act, could also be used to hire civilian contractors to use crime-fighting tools, could help Milwaukee police purchase new equipment, and could go toward summer overtime hours for the department, according to the news release from the governor's office.

“Violence is never the answer, and I am hopeful that today's investment, paired with the more than $100 million investments we have made already, will give the city of Milwaukee some additional tools to curb crime and keep folks safe," Evers said in the news release.

The cash will allow Milwaukee to install security fencing in downtown areas that can be remotely raised and lowered, according to Evers' news release. The fences would be able to turn downtown entertainment areas into pedestrian-only zones on weekends and during major events, according to the news release.

The Milwaukee Police Department told Patch in a statement it appreciates Evers' investment.

"As it relates to the downtown area, MPD has been actively working with elected officials, area businesses and other city departments to develop and implement a shared strategic plan to provide a safe downtown entertainment district. The implementation of the funding for the downtown entertainment district is in beginning stages of the planning process. As always, MPD appreciates the community members that are assisting in bringing peace to our city. We remain committed to working collaboratively with our community, system partners and business to continue to promote civil and lawful behavior so that everyone can enjoy our great city," reads the statement from the Milwaukee Police Department.

The funding would also go toward forensic workstations, night vision devices, air tanks, and a device that helps with on-scene ballistics analysis, according to the governor's news release. Civilian contractors would also be hired to manage ballistics technology and to process sexual assault kits, helping Milwaukee police to shift staffing resources to other needs, the news release said.