'Help us help you': Growing crime in Milwaukee parks leaves law enforcement asking for parents' help

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Friday, July 28, Milwaukee law enforcement held a press conference at Sherman Park to address the uptick in violent crimes around Milwaukee parks.

City leaders said so far, for the month of July, Sherman Park has received more than 39 calls for serious crimes, many involving guns.

The message was clear at the park, city leaders are looking to parents and guardians to help curb the violence throughout the city.

"Take action now, be involved, make a difference, help us help you," said Milwaukee County Sheriff Denita Ball.

The sheriff was joined by the Milwaukee Police Department, along with Ashanti Hamilton of Milwaukee's Office of Violence Prevention.

City leaders spoke to a crowd of community members, all looking for answers on how the city plans on addressing what many would consider to be troubled times.

"It takes all of us, but it first takes the parents to step up and ask, 'what are my kids doing?'" said Ball.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley were not in attendance at the press conference, due to prior engagements.