Milwaukee Police Department Becomes Target For Planned August Anti-auto Theft Protest

In a desperate attempt to cut down on auto thefts in Milwaukee County, some residents are organizing the first anti-auto theft protest targeted at the Milwaukee Police Department.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 20, 2015 

Milwaukee, WI - On Monday, Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) learned that the City of Milwaukee will face a anti-auto theft protest on the third Wednesday in August targeted at the Milwaukee Police Department due to a rise of auto thefts. One of the planning organizers of the anti-auto theft protest in her Facebook (FB) accounts says, it will be a peaceful protest. If the protest takes place, it will be the first of its kind in the City of Milwaukee or Wisconsin.

Stephanie Couillard shared her comment with "Stolen Cars Milwaukee" FB page explaining why she is helping to organise the anti-auto theft protest, "To gather awareness on the alarming numbers of auto thefts and the call to have our police force make serious efforts towards dismantling these theft rings. My hope is that perhaps we can also get policy change so that it is mandatory for parking checkers to run plates before ticketing and towing our stolen vehicles. I am going to consult with an attorney to find out the legalities. I also think they laws must change for minors, whether it be holding parents accountable for damages, or mandatory community service/juvenile detentions for the perps..."

Milwaukee police have recently arrested a group of teens involved in carjackings and West Milwaukee Police on Sunday arrested three teens including one who was shot by an officer at the 4300 block of W. Greenfield Ave. So far, local police have detained at least seven teens in separate cases involving attempted carjackings and purse snackings in Milwaukee County.

The Milwaukee Police Department under Police Chief Edward Flynn has been criticized for a policy that prohibits officers from chasing suspects in autos that officers can't prove that have committed a crime, even though they flee the scene from a police traffic stop. Chief Flynn says, it is a public safety issue that prevents anyone from getting hurt during a police chase pursuit.

Alderman Bob Donovan who is running for Milwaukee Mayor wants Chief Flynn to change his non-pursuit policy and begin to chase and catch suspects.