Yes. By at least one measure Milwaukee’s violent crime rate exceeds the national average, but the comparison is misleading, criminologists told Wisconsin Watch.
Tag: Crime
Posted inDemocracy on the Ballot, Government
Many in Wisconsin GOP drop ‘stop the steal’ talk, play up inflation, crime
As they try to win enough seats for a supermajority to override a governor’s veto, most Republicans don’t even mention ‘election integrity’ on their websites
Posted inFact briefs
Has Milwaukee’s homicide rate nearly doubled in the past two years?
Yes. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel homicide tracker, the number of Milwaukee homicides in 2019 was 111. In 2020, the number rose to 204. 2021 saw 212 homicides, marking a 91% increase in the rate of homicides over two years. As of Oct. 21, the FBI reports there were 184 homicides in 2022 in Milwaukee — 24 more than last year at this time.
Posted inJustice & Safety
Where did that gun used in a crime come from? Milwaukee police can’t easily tell you
The Milwaukee Police Department has not tracked the origin of thousands of guns confiscated each year.
Posted inFact briefs
Have some violent crimes risen during Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers’s tenure?
Yes. Homicide and aggravated assault in Wisconsin rose between 2018—the year before Gov. Tony Evers took office—and 2021, although the rates of rape and robbery in the state did not. Between 2019 and 2021, homicides rose by 70% — reaching 315 in 2021.
Posted inJustice & Safety
Racine murder case gets benefit of teamwork that helps ‘connect the dots’
Because of teamwork involving a private homicide review team, charges have now been filed against two men — eight years after the violence that left three people dead and four injured.
Posted inJustice & Safety
Madison cold case gets warmer
The investigation of Andrew Nehmer’s 1986 murder highlights both the opportunities that new technologies present for solving old crimes and the challenges posed by degraded evidence, vanishing witnesses and fading memories.
Posted inWisWatch Blog
Map: Wisconsin mass murders
In Wisconsin, guns were involved in all but four of the 29 multiple murders we know of since 1985. At least 105 people died in these incidents.
Posted inGovernment, Justice & Safety
Minor offenders, major consequences
Wisconsin is one of 13 states that automatically place 17-year-olds in the adult criminal justice system. In the past few years, nearly one-third of states have passed laws to keep more young offenders in the juvenile justice system. But not Wisconsin.
Posted inHealth & Welfare, Justice & Safety
Backpage.com accused of facilitating sex trafficking
More than 50 cases of trafficking or attempted trafficking of minors on Backpage.com have been filed in 22 states in the past three years, says a letter from 45 attorneys general. Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen declined to sign the letter, saying he has “a policy of not publicly announcing the details of ongoing investigations or publicly negotiating private sector cooperation.”
Posted inHealth & Welfare, Justice & Safety
Human trafficking: Learn more, get help
If you suspect you are a victim of human trafficking or have come across a case, don’t hesitate to contact help. Here are lists of resources — and tips on how to identify cases of human trafficking.
Posted inWisWatch Blog
Racial disparities in Wisconsin arrests
The situation facing Dane County indicates a problem that pervades the whole state.