MPD's quarter 1 data show decrease in homicides and other crimes in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Homicide rates are dropping in the city of Milwaukee.
The Milwaukee Police Department released their quarter one crime report on Monday.
The stats show a reduction in most violent and property crimes year over year.
From Jan. 1 through Mar. 31, there was an 8% total drop in "part one" crime - the category including homicide, rape, aggravated assault, human trafficking, property and auto theft, burglary, and arson.
Non-fatal shootings dropped 27%, with 80 in quarter one of 2026 compared to 110 in 2025.
Auto theft dropped 19%, and carjackings dropped 40%.
Two crimes increased slightly: burglary by 1% and theft (non-auto) by 7%.
The most serious crime, homicide, saw an 8% drop, with two fewer lives lost in quarter one of 2026 compared to 2025.
Milwaukee's police chief said homicides are often due to poor conflict resolution.
"What we are finding in regards to some of our challenging trends for homicides - it's intimate. You know the person that you are unfortunately victimizing," he said, noting anger, impulse, and access to guns can be a deadly combination.
Violence prevention efforts will remain a priority this summer.
"When we address trauma, create opportunity, and build trust, we create safer neighborhoods," said Karin Tyler, who is awaiting confirmation to lead Milwaukee's Department of Community Wellness and Safety.
City leaders call prevention and accountability the keys to crime reduction, and with summer near, that's especially important for young people.
"Parents and anyone who connects with our youth. Get them active. Get them connected. Get them busy," Norman said. "Know where your kids are, who they're talking to and what they're doing. Monitor their social media activity."
The City of Milwaukee's Hello Summer webpage provides an extensive list of youth and teen summer programs. The mayor is asking families to sign up as soon as possible.
"We are really resource rich in this community, with opportunities for young people," said Mayor Cavalier Johnson.
City leaders also remind gun owners to keep their firearms locked up and inaccessible to others.
Mayor Johnson also hopes to implement law enforcement strategies that were used last summer in busy nightlife areas like Water Street, including police drones and the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office's mobile booking unit.
The city is also considering additional restrictions on food truck operating times, and stronger curfew enforcement for minors.