MPD's Summer Guardian program extended as officers continue working to build relationships

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Police Department is extending its Summer Guardian program through the month of September in an effort to keep engaging with the community and cut down on violence.

Thursday afternoon, Sept. 7, some MPD officers went door-to-door in the Midtown neighborhood to establish connections and share information. Those officers walked with members of a community group, knocking on dozens of doors and sharing information packets.

It's the latest of several neighborhood canvassing events as MPD tries to engage with people and build trust.

Marcey Patterson, MPD's community engagement manager, said, "That face-to-face interaction with law enforcement and community is needed."

All summer long, MPD leadership has said it cannot have officers on every corner at all times, and so they need the community to help be their eyes and ears.

Thursday's walk created a lot of that face-to-face time.

Patterson said, "I think when that happens, the relationship begins to build."

The officers were joined by members of United Methodist Children's Services to deliver information about community resources and events.

UMCS's Adrian Spencer said, "The residents that we talked to were really receptive to the information we shared with them."

Spencer said sometimes people can be apprehensive to interact with police, until they meet them on a personal level. "It's another way for both police to see folks when they're not in crisis, and for people to have relationships with police when they're not in need."

MPD kicked off Operation Summer Guardian in July, and the city has gone through violent stretches throughout the summer.

But so far, there are 36 fewer homicides than at this point last year.

Non-fatal shootings are up slightly, so are robberies.

But even if month-to-month stats were available, it would be difficult to credit or blame the Summer Guardian program alone, since a variety of factors could be responsible.

Regardless, those on the ground Thursday are encouraged by their interactions.

Spencer said, "When they feel like they're being heard by the police, then they see an action behind it, that also helps people to come around to being more engaged."

Spencer told us the information shared comes directly from what people tell them at community meetings: if they say they need specific resources then UMCS will work to get it done.

Thursday's packet shared info on the food service center, childcare facility, and upcoming trunk-or-treat event.