Milwaukee County panel rejects plan to have MPD patrol parks, handle more 9-1-1 calls
MILWAUKEE- The plan by Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett to have Milwaukee police officers patrol Milwaukee County parks was rejected unanimously by a Milwaukee County panel on Wednesday.
If the full Milwaukee County Board upholds that decision, the plan to cut approximately $3.3 million from Milwaukee County Sheriff Clarke's budget won't go into effect.
Abele argued the budget plan would have saved the county millions of dollars. He blasted the county panel for rejecting his proposal.
"The vote today by the Board sends a disappointing message to taxpayers and hurts future cooperation efforts between municipalities and the County," Abele said. "This proposal would have saved County taxpayers $5.2 million over three years."
The proposal would have had Milwaukee police take over more 9-1-1 calls and patrol county parks.
Milwaukee Police Association President Mike Crivello wasn't a big fan of the plan at the time, telling Newsradio 620 WTMJ, "It absolutely puts them (officers) more at risk."
Milwaukee County Supervisors tell the Journal Sentinel they were concerned the shift in responsibilities would result in an erosion in park patrols.
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