Community Based Prosecution: More Tools in the Box
When John Connelly, the new District 5 Community Prosecution Unit Coordinator, received resident complaints regarding ongoing loitering and activity on North Buffum Street, he jumped into action. He did a bit of research on the property and learned that a drug arrest had been made recently in the vicinity by District 5 officers, but the criminal nuisance activity continued. Residents were surprised to hear that the arrest had been made and commented that that was right about the time the loitering and constant flow of people and vehicles subsided, but only for a minute.
When three more residents complained of drug activity, the Community Prosecution Unit Officers responsible for the area decided it was time to make another visit. An investigation did not result in another drug arrest but determined that an illegal electrical connection was being maintained at the property. Illegal hookups can be extremely dangerous and have resulted in injuries and even properties burning down. In addition, the people living at the property were not on the lease and others were living in the attic.
A Department of Neighborhood Service Special Enforcement Inspector and WE Energies technician were called in. DNS ordered an immediate placard of the building, which resulted in the eviction of those staying inside and the property being boarded up. The CPU team can often make referrals to safe housing through resource providers such as Community Advocates, thereby not leaving people stranded when properties are shut down for safety reasons.
John contacted the property owner and arranged for a landlord meeting to discuss the violations and concerns with illegal activity at the property. The man was challenged with owning numerous properties and dealing with problematic tenants, drug dealing and loitering. The outcome of the meeting was that the landlord agreed to attend the city landlord training program and keep a closer eye on his property. This includes conducting regular inspections of the property’s electrical infrastructure to ensure that there is no future tampering, and comply with all outstanding DNS orders including removing the illegal living spaces. Lastly, the property owner executed a standing complaint and agreed to provide District 5 Police with a written tenant list when his new tenants are selected. This standing complaint allows law enforcement to remove or arrest anyone found loitering at the property who is not on the tenant list.
Since the board-up residents have said that the issues have subsided. John encouraged them to call the police if problems arise and he will continue monitoring calls for police service and the property over the next several months. The District 5 CPU strategies incorporate not only the District Attorney’s Office, Milwaukee Police and Department of Neighborhood Services staff, but also Probation and Parole, Safe & Sound Organizers, the City Attorney’s Office, Sojourner domestic violence advocates, and other area stakeholders. They have proven effective at reducing criminal activity at cronic nuisance properties, especially when you can choose the right tool for the job.
The residents have tended to agree, commenting that the kids can now play safely on the sidewalk and with the all night traffic stopped, they can all sleep much better.
If you need the District 5 CPU to jump into action, you can submit a Hot Spot Form.
DOWNLOAD: Hot Spot Form
DOWNLOAD: District 5 CPU Team Flyer
