Milwaukee homicides up 11% in 2022; what's next for the Office of Violence Prevention?

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- On Thursday, Jan. 12, city leaders shared that although overall crime in 2022 has decreased, homicides have increased by 11%. The Office of Violence Prevention shared what they're doing to get those numbers down.

"A lot of what we're doing is coming from an asset-based approach," said Ashanti Hamilton, director of the Office of Violence Prevention.

CBS 58 asked to explain what that will look like. Hamilton said he's taking notes from cities dealing with the same issue. He's implementing "violence disrupters" in neighborhoods considered hot spots.

Another approach the office is taking, forming unlikely partnerships with city government department. Hamilton said this strategy isn't new from his predecessor but an extension.

"It's not different, it's an expansion and an activation of. So, it's not as if there's a change in direction, there's a deepening and a collaboration building that is happening towards the direction in which we should be moving in," said Hamilton.

For mothers like Gloria Shaw, who lost her son Xavier Casanova Davis in August to a hit-and-run accident, said her voice and the voice of those who lost loved ones to senseless violence deserve a seat at the table.

"Talk to us instead of getting on these platforms and talking to each other. Talk to the families see what we have to say, hear us and let us know that you actually care," said Shaw.

She believes her insight could bring some sort of relief.

"All of the violence is just senseless and talking to the victims, maybe we can provide some kind of idea or some kind of initiative to help combat some of it at least," said Shaw.

Hamilton said he's seen numbers that prove his approach is successful. CBS 58 is still waiting on those numbers.