Overview
- Officials released data Tuesday showing 49 homicides from January through June, a 30 percent drop from 70 in the same period in 2025 and part of a 7 percent fall in Part 1 crimes citywide.
- The Milwaukee Police Department reported a 98 percent homicide clearance rate for the period, meaning all but one case resulted in charges being referred to the district attorney.
- Nonfatal shootings fell about 28 percent overall, and the city credits a mix of better police investigations, targeted enforcement, conflict mediation and community programs for driving the drop.
- Gains are uneven on the ground: Sherman Park saw shootings rise from four to 13 in the first half of the year, with three deaths and 11 injuries, prompting residents to call for more visible patrols despite staffing limits.
- City leaders say sustaining progress will require continued funding and cross‑sector work to prevent retaliation, expand mediation and keep pressure on persistent hotspots while monitoring second‑order effects on neighborhoods.