In wake of teen takeovers, community leaders focusing on positive activities for young people
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- After the weekend arrests at Bayshore, the mere rumor of teen takeovers has authorities snapping into action.
MPD said they were monitoring after posts teased takeovers at police stations, of all places.
And we saw extra officers at 3rd Street Market Hall Tuesday night after rumors of a takeover there. Security told us there were no incidents whatsoever.
Community leaders want young people to focus on positive activities instead.
Milwaukee County Sheriff's Deputy Kristine Rodriguez told us at an event, "If we have youth that are not being productive, it should be everyone's concern."
Rodriguez does not think recent takeovers are representative of all young people in the community. She sees the acting out as a call for help.
In her role on the sheriff's Community Engagement Unit, Rodriguez tries to meet young people to provide safety and engagement.
One example is an event hosted Tuesday night, March 31, by the group Your Move MKE.
Lead Facilitator Daniel Monge told us, "We try to build community. We build relationships. And we let young people have a place where they feel safe, where they feel welcome, listened to."
The youth-led group provides a safe space for young people to develop skills in the trades, art, and music.
But they also focus on wellness and healing, leadership skills, and how to manage emotions.
Monge says it provides a place to safely discuss challenging issues. "Conversations about takeovers, conversations about ICE, conversations about gun violence."
County Executive David Crowley found out about the Bayshore takeover from his daughter.
"That's not who we are as Milwaukee," he said on a social media video.
He said Bayshore is an example of why it's important for parents and guardians to stay engaged in their child's life.
Crowley said to look at their social media, know where they are going, and connect with their friends' parents.
He also had a message for young people: the community wants to help them and cares about them.
"I care about you," Crowley said on the video. "But we need you to care about the community, too."
The county often has interventionists on the ground to help at big events.
Crowley said the county is working with community partners to build more safe spaces for young people this spring and summer.