Budget battle: Milwaukee Police Dept. getting fewer officers than it asked for

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett says the number of officers the city is budgeting to add in the next year, is unacceptable.

In an amendment to the city budget, the finance committee decided to add 73 more officers over the next two classes.

12 fewer than Mayor Barrett asked for in funding.

Nick Kovac, with the city's finance committee, says the intention is for police to work with liaisons in different city departments who are specifically trained to deal with specific situations.

"We're still going to have plenty of officers, we're going to have more officers, and we're going to have a more holistic approach to crime in our neighborhoods," said Barrett.

The amendment will go to the full council for consideration next week.