Brat with a Cop

The Milwaukee Police Department launched its community engagement initiative, “Brat with a Cop” in June of 2024. This initiative is a series of pop-up events in some of Milwaukee’s hardest-hit communities. It includes fun for the whole family featuring educational outreach for adults, kid-friendly activities, resources and refreshments.

“Greater trust among police and neighborhood residents can make all of Milwaukee safer. I’ve often said partnerships are important to achieve safety, and this is a path to build those partnerships,” Mayor Cavalier Johnson said. “Brat with a Cop is a positive way to start the summer in our city.”

Since early Spring, the Office of Community Relations, Engagement and Recruitment (OCRER) has been working with its public safety partners to identify communities and neighborhoods most in need. Collaborating with the Cops & Kids Foundation, Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, Safe & Sound, Inc. and Rooted & Rising Washington Park, this engagement series aims to promote positive community engagement that helps to bridge the gap between police-community relations, including building trust and familiarity with the community it serves. During these events, MPD officers will chat with local residents, hear their concerns and socialize the prevention efforts.

“Our goal is to bring Law Enforcement and the community together,” said Bob Kraemer, Cops and Kids Foundation, Inc. Executive Director. “The more you do, the more of a difference you make.”

“This is an opportunity for officers to talk with community members instead of at them”, Chief Jeffrey Norman said. “Brat with a Cop creates a relaxed, neutral atmosphere in which residents can speak with officers that patrol their community and give community members the ability to discuss concerns that are most important to them.”

“Safe and Sound supports every effort to promote engagement and collaborative approached within our neighborhoods because it ultimately helps advance a culture of cohesion and trust that will allow Milwaukee to be safer for everyone,” said Bridget Whitaker, Safe & Sound, Inc. Executive Director.