The Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) was recently named as a finalist for the prestigious, international Herman Goldstein Award for Excellence in Problem- Oriented Policing (POP).

MPD is being recognized for its collaboration with the neighborhood-based group, Washington Park Partners, to abate nuisance properties and improve overall safety in the Washington Park neighborhood. This block-by-block approach has included remediation of vacant properties, improving lighting and site lines, connecting residents to social services and job opportunities, and encouraging resident involvement in block clubs and other civic opportunities. These innovative and targeted approaches have been enabled by federal investment through the Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation (BCJI) program, administered by the US Department of Justice – Bureau of Justice Assistance.

Milwaukee Police Chief Edward A. Flynn said, “I am proud that the hard work of the Milwaukee Police Department has been recognized among its peers, both nationally and internationally, for Excellence in Problem-Oriented Policing. Our continued partnerships with groups like Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and Washington Park Partners advances our mission of creating neighborhoods capable of sustaining civic life.”

An example of this collaborative community-police partnership will be on display Tuesday, August L8th, from 12:00 – 1:30PM, during Mayor Barrett’s 100 Miles in 100 Days program in Washington Park, followed by an “Ice Cream Social” event held at the park playground areanear W. Lisbon Ave. & N. Sherman Blvd (see attached flyer for more information).

The final round ofjudging for the award will be conducted at the 25th Annual International Problem-Oriented Policing Conference in Portland, Oregon, October l9-21’t where MPD and community representatives will present to law enforcement leaders and advocates from across the globe.

The project includes a wide variety of additional partners including neighborhood residents, the District Attorney’s Community Prosecution Unit, United Methodist Children’s Services of Wisconsin, Inc. (UMCS), Wisconsin Department of Corrections, LISC, Habitat for Humanity, and Safe and Sound.

The Herman Goldstein Award for Excellence in Problem-Oriented Policing is administered by the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing based in Chicago, Illinois. Other finalists include the Metropolitan Police of London, UK, (for three projects), and the Portland Police Bureau in Portland, Oregon. The POP approach calls police to be proactive in identifying underlying problems which can be targeted to reduce crime and disorder at their roots. This strategy places emphasis on research and analysis as well as crime prevention and the active engagement of public and private partnerships in the reduction of crime.

Bobby Mcquay, staffer at UMCS and a ‘Washington Park resident, said, ‘oI have lived in the Washington Park neighborhood most of my life. I have witnessed hrsthand the changes and challenges the neighborhood has experienced over the years. However, I can feel a resurgence in the community that is due in part to the city’s redevelopment strategies, investments made in the neighborhood by LISC, and the innovative policing methods deployed by MPD, in partnership with strong community anchors such as Washington Park Partners.”

“LISC Milwaukee is proud to support the dynamic community-police collaborations occurring in the Washington Park neighborhood”, said John Connelly, Program Officer with LISC. “The dedicated work by the Milwaukee Police Department and its community partners in this neighborhood is now being utilized as a model for similar community safety efforts not only in other Milwaukee neighborhoods but in cities across the country”.

LISC will provide conference scholarships to the Milwaukee presenters, as well as facilitate a site tour of Portland’s BCJI program, and peer learning opportunities.

More info on National Center for Problem-Oriented Policing: http://www.popcenter.org/

More info on BCJI Program:
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