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‘Conflict, arguments, violence’ cause many of Milwaukee’s homicides’

Civic Engagement

The most common definitive driving factor behind homicides in Milwaukee in 2022 was fights and arguments. This data includes 183 out of 214 homicides.

The following Op-Ed by  (Spectrum News 1/Katarina Velazquez), was published on Spectrum News 1

Lisa Jones is the executive director Milwaukee Inner-City Congregations Allied for Hope. It is an interfaith organization committed to justice issues in Milwaukee. 

Jones said when it comes to crime, there’s always a root cause. 

“Police respond to crime, but what prevents crime is people having what they need,” she said. “Housing, jobs and good education: These are the things that are going to stop crime. That’s the real investment in people, in the human family.” 

She said she’s hopeful Milwaukee can come together to reduce crime. 

“This is going to be hard work that needs to be done if we want to be in a community that’s violence-free and oppression-free,” said Jones. 

Despite the significant increase in homicides, Johnson said the city is making progress overall when it comes to major crimes. In 2022, there was a 23% drop in motor vehicle thefts, an 18% drop in burglaries and a 14% drop in robberies.

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