Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee police could help with public safety at Donald Trump’s inauguration
Milwaukee police are poised to be at former President Donald Trump’s inauguration in two months.
The inauguration is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. On Thursday, the city’s Public Safety and Health Committee moved forward a proposal where some officers would assist in traffic control for the parade, pending further approvals.
“Historically, for inaugurations, they seek assistance from other jurisdictions for the lift of public safety,” Milwaukee Police Chief of Staff Heather Hough told the council’s Public Safety and Health Committee.
Participating officers would not be “taken off the street of Milwaukee” but asked to use their personal time, whether vacation or other off time, to participate, she said. The U.S. Department of Justice would cover expenses associated with sending officers to the inauguration.
Officers would not be involved in activities like crowd control or handling civil disturbances, said James Lewis, risk manager for Milwaukee police.
Final approval for police participation in the inauguration awaits approval by the full Common Council. The department also needs approval from the Wisconsin Attorney General, according to Lewis who spoke at the Thursday meeting.
David Clarey is a reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at dclarey@gannett.com.