MPD says homicides up 182%, could bill calling for mandatory minimum sentences help stop the violence?

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- There has been an explosion of violence in the city of Milwaukee. New numbers released by the Milwaukee Police Department show homicides are up more than 180% from last year. There is a new controversial plan to put a stop to all the violence -- an idea that could keep violent felons behind bars longer.

MPD: Homicides up 182%

Two state lawmakers have introduced a bill that would create mandatory minimum sentences for felons caught with guns. The plan is being praised by some law enforcement officials, while others say it will hurt the justice system.

Rep. LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee) says change is needed. She has a partner on the other side of the aisle.

"A lot of the horrendous crimes that have been happening shouldn't be going on because the people perpetrating them should still be in prison," said Johnson.

Representative Joel Kleefisch (R-Oconomowoc) has joined Johnson in introducing a bill that will create mandatory minimum sentences for felons caught with a gun.

The bill says felons found to be in possession of firearms must be sentenced to at least three years in prison. If they're committing a violent crime with a gun, the bill calls for at least eight years in prison.

"So many of these crimes that have happened in the last month in the state and in the city of Milwaukee wouldn't have happened if judges would have sentenced them to the maximum," said Kleefisch.

"Where are these lenient judges? I'd like to know who these lenient judges are," said Executive Director of the ACLU of Wisconsin, Chris Ahmuty.

Ahmuty has lots of problems with the proposal.

"Prosecutors are going to get all the discretion and they can do things like use it to pressure someone into a plea bargain," said Ahmuty.

Ahmuty says the bill would do little to deter crime -- and Kleefisch agrees.

"This isn't going to deter a hardened criminal who wants to kill somebody. But you know, that will deter them -- bars in front of their faces," said Kleefisch.

The Milwaukee Police Department released a statement praising the bill, calling it a 'promising first step.' However, the bill faces a tough road ahead.

Similar proposals have failed before. The ACLU says groups like the NRA are opposed.

Johnson and Kleefisch say there is bipartisan support for the bill.

MPD crime stats