MPD to cite parents, guardians if their child breaks curfew and is part of a violent incident this summer
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- In response to more recent violence involving young people, the Milwaukee Police Department is unveiling its latest effort to keep young people from getting involved in crime.
Operation Summer Guardian is currently underway and will focus on curfew enforcement and parental responsibility.
For years the city has tried to intervene with young people and cut down on violence, and now they're trying a different approach.
This summer MPD will go after parents and guardians if their child breaks the city curfew and is involved in an incident.
Police Chief Jeffrey Norman said, "If your child is out after hours without a valid reason, and is involved in an incident, we will cite you."
It will cost those adults $195 for their children's mistakes.
There were more shootings this holiday weekend. Chief Norman said, "I wish we could say we had a weekend free from violence, but unfortunately, that's not the case."
Now MPD will still hold youth offenders accountable if they violate the city's 11 p.m.-5 a.m. curfew that's in effect every night of the week, but now they'll go after their parents and guardians, too.
Chief Norman said, "We're seeing too often our young children being either the victims involved in these incidents, or, unfortunately, the suspects."
MPD analysis of a similar program last year found the department needed to be more intentional with its efforts.
There will now be an increased police presence in 27 neighborhoods, where officers will engage neighbors and share information, including hanging informational cards on doors.
Norman wants neighbors to see the police as partners, not occupiers. "Those who live in those neighborhoods want you there, they just want you there in the right way."
In addition, MPD will get community feedback with pre- and post-deployment surveys.
Norman said a lack of conflict resolution skills is escalating more arguments into violence. And he said it's unacceptable for children to be unsupervised in homes that have guns that are not secured or locked up. "We're seeing our young ones involved in these particular types of situations where they have access to firearms. And are not afraid to use them."
Norman said there's urgency to this operation because it can save lives. He urged parents and guardians, "Know where your kids are at. Know what your kids are doing."
And he said he still needs the community's help to keep children safe. "There is no such thing as 'you don't have the right to ask.' As a father, as a resident, I implore you to ask," Norman said.
A citation for a parent or guardian will cost $195. A citation for a minor costs $94.
If your child is not home by curfew, MPD says you should contact them to report the child missing to clear yourself of liability if they commit a crime after curfew.