Democrats’ soft-on-crime policies and “defund the police” rhetoric are having horrific implications on the safety of our law enforcement officers. Earlier this month, two Milwaukee detectives were attacked by a suspect after requesting backup.
Unfortunately, these types of incidents are occurring all too often because of rising crime and an increase in unfilled positions in the Milwaukee Police Department.
Wisconsin Democrats like Tony Evers and Mandela Barnes have spent their tenure vilifying police and calling to defund departments while crime rates continue to climb throughout the state.
- Since 2000, the Milwaukee Common Council has reduced sworn staffing levels at the Department by about 19%, down to around 1,600 sworn positions.
- While the city grapples with historic levels of gun violence, the MPD has more than 200 unfilled positions.
- In March, Milwaukee’s homicide rate was up 100% from the same time in the previous year. This comes after homicides in Wisconsin rose 70% between 2019 and 2021.
- Just last year, 1 in every 5 homicide suspects in Milwaukee County had already been released on bail for other violent crimes, while Mandela Barnes continues to advocate for the elimination of cash bail.
“After years of Tony Evers and Mandela Barnes vilifying police and calling to defund departments, crime has spiked and officer retention has suffered. Ron Johnson and Tim Michels will support law enforcement and fight to keep Wisconsin communities safe.” – Republican Party of Wisconsin Rapid Response Director Mike Marinella