Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman will be the first to say one homicide is too many. “We are better than this,” he said after a string of shootings, reports Spectrum1News. “Let's settle disputes and do it without violence,” said Mayor Cavalier Johnson. The safety of Wisconsin's largest city was thrust into the national spotlight when former President Trump called Milwaukee "horrible" in a meeting with Republicans on Capitol Hill. (He later denied the remark.) The numbers actually show a drop in reported crime, consistent with national trends. Milwaukee's police chief discussed the numbers as the city prepares to host the Republican National Convention this month. The federal government provided $75 million to help cover security costs. ,
The city is expecting 50,000 visitors for the convention. "There are a lot of concerns about crime in Milwaukee, not just by Donald Trump, but by people living in the city of Milwaukee and around there,” Brian Schimming, chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin, told CNN. Data from the Milwaukee Police Department show a significant drop in violent crime, with homicides down 41% during the first six months of the year compared to the same period two years ago. "The proof’s in the pudding,” said Chief Norman. “When you look at, in regards to the actual numbers, it doesn't reflect any narrative out there in regards to that there is not good work going on within our city.” Experts said public perception of crime is not driven by data, but instead by social media, local news coverage, and comments by politicians who talk about crime, even when it’s down, because it’s historically motivated voters. “Interpret their discussion of crime as a reason to look into that issue, but do not believe what they're telling you about crime,” said Dr. Jeffrey Butts, Director of the Research and Evaluation Center at John Jay College. “All politicians across the spectrum will mislead and misuse the issue because they know it works.”
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