One reason I love living in South Milwaukee is our safe streets — and we can thank our hard-working police department for a lot of that.
The department’s 2010 annual report is now available on its website, and it contains some good news around crime.
Among the highlights:
- Violent crime fell 41 percent in 2010 (16 incidents) from 2009 (27), although that included two homicides. One, a case reported on Milwaukee Avenue, saw a suspect arrested, charged and sentenced. The other — which occurred at the Badger Place Apartments — remains under investigation.
- Property crime increased 1.2% in 2010, including increases in burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft and arson.
- The crime clearance rate was 34.4% in 2010, nearly double the 17.8% of 2009.
- Calls for service fell 2.7% from 24,224 in 2009 to 23,561 in 2010.
Of course, the report is quite comprehensive, and it contains much more than crime information. I encourage you to read it … and learn more about how our police department delivers first-class service to city residents.
It also includes a note from Chief Ann Wellens. From it:
As I look back over the past year’s accomplishments, I feel very proud of the effort Department members put forth. The focus, however, is on the future. We are continually adjusting our strategies, methods and techniques. Today’s problems cannot be solved using yesterday’s solutions. Innovation and creativity are key ingredients to further success.
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