Milwaukeeans with criminal records already have some protections against job discrimination. A national movement is pushing cities to go further by expanding safeguards to other areas of life.
Devin Blake
Devin Blake began his career as a journalist at Patch, covering the Southern California communities he grew up in, with a particular focus on local businesses, unemployment, and organizations addressing unmet community needs. As he witnessed the growing homelessness crisis, he transitioned into working as a resource and information coordinator, supporting community groups and nonprofits serving unhoused populations, including the elderly, developmentally disabled, and individuals living with HIV/AIDS. In addition to his community-focused work, Blake has contributed to publications such as New York Magazine, The Onion, and McSweeney’s. He enjoys spending time with his wife and navigating the daily adventures of parenting his young son.
Posted inHealth and Wellness
State hopes to prevent suicides through new and expanded partnerships
Wisconsin is increasing efforts to prevent suicide by training more mental health professionals and healthcare workers.
Posted inPublic Safety & Criminal Justice
Deadline approaching to file for a pardon from Gov. Evers
As Gov. Tony Evers prepares to leave office in January, the pardon process he reestablished may end as well. Here’s what we know and some tips on how to apply before the deadline on Oct. 5.
Posted inPublic Safety & Criminal Justice
Tracking Milwaukee: 4 takeaways on police license plate readers
The debate over automatic license plate readers often falls along familiar lines of public safety and privacy rights. Here’s what we learned during a Marquette University Law School panel Tuesday.
Posted inPublic Safety & Criminal Justice
Will MPD use generative artificial intelligence?
Although the Milwaukee Police Department is not currently using generative AI, it already has official rules regarding its potential use. Some defense attorneys and advocates are raising questions about what this could mean for criminal cases.
Posted inPublic Safety & Criminal Justice
What Milwaukee can learn from Baltimore’s community policing plan
As Milwaukee develops a community policing plan, Baltimore offers lessons on what the approach can look like as well as where it could fall short.
Posted inEducation, Public Safety & Criminal Justice
Franklin police to patrol Indian Community School following handgun incident
Franklin police will conduct regular patrols at Indian Community School when students return Monday, following a handgun threat against a staff member. The school is also adding private security and other support services.
Posted inEducation, Public Safety & Criminal Justice
Indian Community School closed through week following handgun threat against staff
Indian Community School, a private school in Franklin that serves Indigenous Milwaukee-area students, will remain closed until Monday after a threat involving a handgun against a staff member on Wednesday evening, according to school administrators.
Posted inPublic Safety & Criminal Justice
Despite MPD ban, facial recognition technology is still present in Milwaukee’s criminal justice system
Milwaukee police no longer use facial recognition technology, but cases involving past use remain in the criminal justice system.
Posted inPublic Safety & Criminal Justice
MPD says Flock restrictions will apply to other license plate reader systems
All three of the Milwaukee Police Department’s automatic license plate reader systems will be subject to new security safeguards, MPD officials confirmed Wednesday.