Increases in spending on campus security and safety measures were announced by Marquette University today in response to concerning increases in Milwaukee crime.
Milwaukee crime increases in 2021 have continued into 2022 with a rash of crimes in the New Year including homicides, shootings, three law enforcement officers being shot in the line of duty, and a litany of carjackings.
Located in downtown Milwaukee immediately adjacent to some historically troubled neighborhoods, Marquette University has long been forced to be mindful of faculty and student safety. In addition to ever-present campus security, Marquette most notably operates a "LIMO" service - a fleet of vans that transports student around campus free of charge, primarily after dark.
The most notable expenditures and increased security efforts include:
1) Adding 4 new Marquette University Police Department campus officers.
2) Assessing increasing LIMO service vans and drivers.
3) Requiring MUID swipe access for campus buildings.
4) Coordinating with City of Milwaukee Police Department, acting Mayor Cavalier
Johnson, and other law enforcement entities to "address the systemic roots of
crime".
Crime in Milwaukee is not an entirely new problem. It has, however, drastically increased in recent years.
The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports "There have been 26 homicides in 2022. This is 12 more than last year at this date." according to its Milwaukee Homicides database.
"A record 197people were killed in homicides in Milwaukee in 2021." - Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
"In 2020, the city experienced 190 homicides, almost doubling the figure from 2019 and smashing a record set in 1991 by 15%." - Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
3 Milwaukee law enforcement officers have been shot in recent weeks.
Milwaukee outpaced Chicago in car thefts in 2021 according WTMJ-4
As of December 7, 2021 Milwaukee had 9,700 car thefts - roughly 30 car thefts per day - "about 300 more than Chicago's total for 2021," according WTMJ-4.
AreaVibes.com gives Milwaukee a "below average" livability score of only 62 (out of 100) in large part due to receiving an F grade on Crime (as well as an F in Education and Employment). The AreaVibes analysis also states:
The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Milwaukee is 1 in 63
The chance of being a victim of property crime in Milwaukee is1 in 37
The chance of being a victim of crime in Milwaukee is1 in 24
In Milwaukee, the total number of daily crimes is 2.39 times more than the Wisconsin average and 1.84 times more than the national average.
The number of daily violent crimes in Milwaukee is 4.94 times more than the Wisconsin average and 4.12 times more than the national average.
Crime will be a major part of the debate in the Milwaukee Mayoral race which will narrow its field to two in a Spring Primary on February 15, 2022 from a field of seven candidates. Conservative groups and Republican politicians have been quick to report that a number of high-profile crimes have been committed by people out on low bails of $1000 or even $500 for previous crimes. Some have gone so far to call on Governor Tony Evers to oust Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisolm from office.
Crime, if left unaddressed, could have negative impacts on Milwaukee's top ranking in amenities and entertainment. With a thriving professional sports, music venues, festivals, taverns, eateries, museums, and more, Milwaukee has a lot to lose if it cannot get its crime pandemic under control.
Full statement from Marquette University President Dr. Michael Lovell (2/8/2022):
"Dear Marquette community:
Like other cities across the country, Milwaukee is experiencing higher than usual rates of crime. Several recent incidents have affected our campus, creating heightened concern around safety and security. As a parent of college-aged children, I know firsthand that a safe campus community is paramount for our entire Marquette community.
A hallmark of Jesuit universities is their locations in urban areas, ensuring solidarity with their communities. Marquette University has a proud 141-year history in the City of Milwaukee as an anchor institution in our Near West Side neighborhood. Since I came to Marquette, we have adopted a holistic and inclusive approach to campus and community safety through the creation of Near West Side Partners, the commissioning of our Marquette University Police Department and an increased focus on community engagement – and we are committed to doing more.
Marquette is taking the following immediate actions:
Launching a President’s Task Force on Community Safety:
MUPD Chief Edith Hudson, a 25-year veteran of the Milwaukee Police Department, will chair the President’s Task Force on Community Safety. The Task Force, which will include students, parents and community partners, will convene immediately to develop 30-day, 60-day and longer-term plans to impact the campus and community safety. I will be personally involved with the Task Force, challenging the group to seek actionable, lasting solutions that add to the infrastructure, tools and technology we have today. Watch Marquette Today for additional information on the task force membership and ways to get involved.
Hiring additional MUPD officers to increase patrol visibility on campus:
We will add four additional MUPD officers who will be deployed to the areas of campus where most of the pass-through crime takes place. MUPD has also created a special team of officers dedicated to patrolling impacted areas of campus. The Task Force will assess the need for any additional resources. The university remains grateful for the sworn MUPD officers and trained security professionals who patrol campus 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Providing additional LIMO resources:
To improve response times and availability, MUPD will hire additional LIMO drivers and assess whether additional LIMO vans are needed. Our LIMO program transports Marquette community members to campus locations 365 days a year, ensuring safe arrival to their homes, cars and buildings. Whenever possible, students should use the free LIMO van service provided by MUPD, especially at night.
Continuing Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED):
MUPD will continue using CPTED — a multi-disciplinary approach to crime prevention through the design and management of built and natural environments — to assess and improve lighting, security cameras and traffic calming measures that deter bad actors from passing through our campus.
Implementing additional building security measures:
We are working to implement MUID swipe access to campus buildings, including the Alumni Memorial Union, after business hours, and to require MUID card access to enter residence halls. This will add additional protection beyond the 24/7 front desk staffing in all residence halls.
Convening a meeting with City of Milwaukee and community leaders:
This issue is bigger than Marquette. I have spoken with Milwaukee’s acting mayor and the chief of the Milwaukee Police Department, and I will reach out to additional law enforcement leaders and community partners to explore how our organizations can collaborate to address the systemic roots of crime. Marquette will continue working closely with the City of Milwaukee on safety enhancement measures.
I promise full institutional support to address the recent crime trends in our region and ensure the safety and security of our campus community and surrounding neighborhood."
Dr. Michael Lovell President
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