The Milwaukee Police Department is currently under intense scrutiny as city leaders and the community at large demand a comprehensive review of the department's chase policy. Concerns have been amplified by a tragic string of deaths involving innocent bystanders. As reported by TMJ4, nine people have died this year in pursuit-related incidents, six of whom were not directly involved in the chases. "One death is one death too many," said Alderwoman Sharlen Moore, echoing the sentiments of a community grappling with loss and demanding change.
According to a WISN 12 News report, the critique of MPD's policy was a central topic at a city hall meeting last Thursday, where council members took the department to task. Common Council President José Pérez stated, "It truly is a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation." He highlighted the Catch-22 scenario police face: to pursue or not to pursue those who commit the dangerous act of fleeing, both options bearing their own risks to public safety.
Discussion on the chase policy has also brought technology into the spotlight, with MPD talking to vendors about GPS darts that could potentially be used to track vehicles without initiating a high-speed chase. This interest in technology comes as part of an effort spearheaded by Chief Jeffrey Norman, who is actively seeking solutions to implement in 2026. As FOX6 News learned, this tech would allow police to shoot GPS darts at fleeing cars in order to safely track them without the need for a potentially dangerous chase.
Moreover, Milwaukee police presented data that shows an uptick in pursuits, with 778 chases through the middle of September, up from 683 during the same period last year. Yet, despite the higher number of pursuits, less than half resulted in an arrest, a statistic that prompts further questions from city officials. "What accounts for the amount versus the arrest? Like, you didn't catch them? Or what accounts for that gap?" Alderwoman Milele Coggs asked, signaling a need to closely examine the efficacy of current policies and strategies.
The discussion took a heated turn when Police Department Chief of Staff Heather Hough abruptly left the meeting after a tense exchange. "I'm sorry, I just feel like Alderman Spiker can get really rude sometimes. And I just, I have to take a break," Hough said, as described by WISN 12 News. The exchange highlighted the emotional and complex nature of the issue at hand.
