MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --- Milwaukee police released new crime data for the first quarter of 2025. During a news conference held at Evolve Church, officials announced that serious crime in Milwaukee is down overall.
During the press conference, Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, and Milwaukee County District Attorney Kent Lovern all spoke.
Part one crime, which includes violent offenses and property crime, is down by 12% for quarter one compared to the first quarter of 2024.
There were, however, two additional homicides in quarter one compared to last year, which accounts for a 9% increase.
"I want crime to be rare. I don't want people to be victims of crime in the city of Milwaukee, and the crime trends go to show that fewer and fewer people in Milwaukee are victims of crime," said Mayor Johnson.
While this year and last year show an increase in reported homicides, officials also pointed out that 2023 to 2025 quarter one numbers show an overall 36% drop in homicides.
Quarter one of 2023 saw 39 homicides, compared to 23 homicides in 2024, and 25 homicides this year. "One homicide is one too many, but the overall trend, however, reflects still a significant decrease in homicides. As a community, we should be proud of our progress," said Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman.
Human trafficking is another area of concern, with a 50% spike in quarter one. This accounts for three additional human trafficking reports compared to the first quarter of 2024.
"I do want the public to understand that there are a team of dedicated professionals working hard each and every day and the numbers bear that out," said DA Lovern.
Officials say tackling reckless driving is still a focus and they're seeing progress there with a 6% drop in hit-and-run crashes and a 30% drop in crash fatalities.
In addition to the new crime data, MPD also shared its 2025 Violent Crime Reduction Plan.