Milwaukee, WI (June 20, 2022) – Brian Barkow, law enforcement executive and candidate for Milwaukee County Sheriff in the August 9 Democratic primary, issued the following statement today:

“Five homicides have occurred in Milwaukee County since Friday. As this appalling violence continues to shake our community to the core, our prayers are with the families, friends, and loved ones of those who lost their lives this weekend. As we mourn their loss, it is imperative that we come together as a community to prevent further bloodshed.

“Last week, Police Chief Jeffrey Norman outlined an evidence-based strategy to reduce violent crime by focusing on hotspots identified through crime data analysis. I strongly support this approach. The evidence has shown time and again that when law enforcement works with our community and uses crime data to plan enforcement strategies that actually work, meaningful progress can be achieved.

“As the second-largest law enforcement agency in Milwaukee County, our Sheriff’s Office has an obligation to step forward and help the Police Department in this critical work. As the next Milwaukee County Sheriff, I will use data to redeploy deputies where they are most needed in our community while doubling down on public safety in our parks and expressways. I will restore a fugitive apprehension unit that efficiently locates and arrests individuals wanted for violent acts. And I will dedicate detective resources to supporting our municipal partners in investigating and solving open homicide and non-fatal shooting cases.

“We cannot continue to watch in horror as lives are claimed in our community at this stunning rate. Instead, those of us in law enforcement must come together, work across jurisdictional lines, and align our resources and strategies to help our community end the violence and achieve peace in our neighborhoods.”

Contact: Brian Barkow for Sheriff, (414) 502-9042 or brianbarkowforsheriff@gmail.com.

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