Office of Violence Prevention’s efficacy called into question, Milwaukee leaders respond

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Questions in regards to the efficacy of town of Milwaukee’s Workplace of Violence Prevention are circulating Metropolis Corridor.

“OVP is constantly questioned on our work, and the significance of our work, the worthiness of our work in lots of respects, and if we needs to be funded or not,” Director Arnitta Holliman mentioned.

Holliman and knowledge specialists with the Medical Faculty of Wisconsin (MCW) introduced analysis plans to the Public Security and Well being Committee on the request of Ald. Michael Murphy on Thursday, June 30.

“This isn’t a gotcha second,” Murphy mentioned throughout a Public Security and Well being Committee Assembly.

Murphy mentioned he desires to see proof that OVP is efficient.

“Within the ultimate evaluation, what we’re in search of is — do these packages work?” Murphy mentioned. “In the event that they’re working, nice, but when they are not working, then we should not be throwing cash at them.”

Particularly, Murphy is asking to see knowledge and outcomes from OVP and the packages it funds. If he would not like what he sees, Murphy and different members mentioned they’d contemplate placing town’s funding elsewhere.

“It appears just like the canine days are forward financially,” Ald. Scott Spiker mentioned throughout a Public Security and Well being Committee Assembly. “Choices are going to must be made, and there is not going to be sufficient to go round.”

Holliman is in search of solutions, too.

“My query is that if there isn’t a OVP, then what? What is the violence prevention plan for this metropolis?” Holliman requested.

Holliman informed CBS 58 defunding OVP means leaving 1000’s of youth and households with out very important assets.

“We needs to be supporting each and all efforts in order to cut back violence in Milwaukee, together with efforts to cease it earlier than it even begins,” Mayor Cavalier Johnson mentioned.

Johnson mentioned OVP performs a task in Milwaukee’s staff effort to show violent developments round.

“It can not simply be myself. It can not simply be the chief,” Johnson mentioned.

Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman mentioned he is aware of that it is not simply his division doing the work. He mentioned OVP meets together with his workers for weekly opinions.

“I am appreciative,” Norman mentioned. “I see the work. I see the hassle.”

Holliman says they will have the information in December to replicate that.

“We really feel it, we all know it, and we’re devoted to it. We’ve constantly created, we have now constantly offered knowledge. We are going to proceed to try this, however we additionally want the help,” Holliman mentioned.

That is half two of a CBS 58 Particular Report. Click on right here to learn half one.