WITI-TV, MILWAUKEE -
Milwaukee Police wants you to be a force, that's the slogan for the department's new marketing campaign to put police in a positive light.
The Milwaukee Police Departments newest commercials depicts situations where crime usually happens, without anything bad happening. For example a woman walking down a dark alley without being mugged. It's all part of a campaign promoting Milwaukee police and the fact that crime is down.
Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn calls this new marketing strategy counter programming. Flynn says, "Every single night of the week on every television set across the greater metropolitan area people are fed a fairly steady diet of carnage." Flynn isn't denying the crimes that do happen in Milwaukee, but wants to put them in perspective for the community.
This new campaign challenges average citizens to help police be a force. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett explains, "The more the public understands there are 2,945 fewer crime victims this year than last year, they're going to be more willing to work with the police."
It's also a recruiting tool to encourage more kids to follow their childhood dreams. Milwaukee Police Officer Scott Siller said, "You know I watched CHIPS and all the cop shows, I don't know. I'm really happy I do it, I love going to work every day."
So what is the public perception of police? Milwaukee citizens Katya Anderson and Leslie Mallory think they're doing the best they can, and are doing a pretty good job.
When it comes to crime in Milwaukee opinions are mixed. Milwaukee resident Arthur Butler says, "No, it's getting worse, cuz there's a lot of people being killed."
Most seem to agree a campaign aimed at cutting crime, and promoting police is a step in the right direction.
Ad agency Cramer Krasselt did this campaign on a pro bono basis, making sure no taxpayer money were used.
The Milwaukee Police Departments newest commercials depicts situations where crime usually happens, without anything bad happening. For example a woman walking down a dark alley without being mugged. It's all part of a campaign promoting Milwaukee police and the fact that crime is down.
Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn calls this new marketing strategy counter programming. Flynn says, "Every single night of the week on every television set across the greater metropolitan area people are fed a fairly steady diet of carnage." Flynn isn't denying the crimes that do happen in Milwaukee, but wants to put them in perspective for the community.
This new campaign challenges average citizens to help police be a force. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett explains, "The more the public understands there are 2,945 fewer crime victims this year than last year, they're going to be more willing to work with the police."
It's also a recruiting tool to encourage more kids to follow their childhood dreams. Milwaukee Police Officer Scott Siller said, "You know I watched CHIPS and all the cop shows, I don't know. I'm really happy I do it, I love going to work every day."
So what is the public perception of police? Milwaukee citizens Katya Anderson and Leslie Mallory think they're doing the best they can, and are doing a pretty good job.
When it comes to crime in Milwaukee opinions are mixed. Milwaukee resident Arthur Butler says, "No, it's getting worse, cuz there's a lot of people being killed."
Most seem to agree a campaign aimed at cutting crime, and promoting police is a step in the right direction.
Ad agency Cramer Krasselt did this campaign on a pro bono basis, making sure no taxpayer money were used.
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