MPD, grassroots groups work to connect with young people at National Night Out event

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Community groups throughout Milwaukee are working to engage young people and make the city safer.

Wednesday afternoon, MPD hosted a National Night Out event as a rash of gun violence has claimed the lives of more than a dozen children.

It was a full house Wednesday at Evangel Assembly of God, with lots of families and food and fun. Some of the leaders said change can start here with face-to-face conversations, it doesn't always take sweeping policy plans or major announcements.

MPD District 4 Capt. Bradley Schlei said, "We can only prevail, we can only win, with all the community groups you see here."

At Wednesday's event, MPD echoed a message they've been trying to drive home for months: they cannot do it alone.

As the department works to address summer violence, they're hoping community coalitions and grassroots groups can help turn the tide.

Young people have been especially impacted in recent weeks.

Teneen Rucker, a program manager with Safe and Sound, said, "They want safer streets. They want safer neighborhoods. They want to be able to play."

More than a dozen children under 18 have been killed by gun violence so far this year. And non-fatal shootings so far this year are up compared to last year.

But homicides are actually down this year compared to last.

Leaders keep trying to connect with the community.

Pastor Jay Fischer said, "I think we're always wanting to see something big, but I think it starts with something small."

Wednesday evening there was free food and music, face painting and balloons, games and bounce houses.

The mobile food pantry had boxes of food for 300 families, and community organizations shared resources.

Capt. Schlei said, "We can't do it without them. It's the aspect of engaging with the young ones at a very early age."

And all throughout, MPD worked to connect and foster relationships with children and young people of every age.

Capt. Schlei said, "Any message that we can get out to our youth and change their thought process on crime and not looking at it as a reward."

Two more National Night Out events will be held in the coming weeks:

Tuesday, August 8 from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.: District 7 National Night Out at Harriet Tubman Park, 4750 N. 48th St.

Wednesday, August 9 from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.: District 3 National Night Out at Johnsons Park, 1919 W. Fond Du Lac Avenue