Teen takeover gatherings across Milwaukee; city leaders talk safety

City leaders address 'teen takeover' trend

Milwaukee leaders discussed a number of safety topics on Friday, including how police plan to tackle "teen takeovers."

MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee leaders on Friday, April 10, met to discuss a number of safety updates – including how police plan to tackle "teen takeovers." 

Teen takeovers

The backstory:

Recently, large gatherings organized by teens and promoted on social media led to arrests at Bayshore and Moody Park. 

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Officers respond to so-called "teen takeover" at Bayshore on March 29 (Courtesy: GPD)

Glendale police said at least 13 people were arrested Sunday, March 29, after Bayshore was overrun. Police also arrested a teen at Moody Park after gunshots were fired during a gathering.

Moody Park, Milwaukee

Friday's meeting

What we know:

On Friday, Alderwoman Sharlen Moore along with Common Council President Jose Perez called upon on law enforcement and city youth support leaders to address the teen takeovers. 

"We need to get to the table, figure out what we need to do, call the partners, get a plan together because summer is going to be here sooner than you know it," Moore said. "What is in the talks right now, what has been done right now to address that? 

Youth outreach leaders said continued planning and programming. 

What they're saying:

"The specific group we’re talking about, you have to be intentional in the space you create for them because a lot of these other places that are in place, might not be welcoming to them," said Vaun Mayes, Calm Force founder. 

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Milwaukee police said meetings between the department and youth program leaders have been productive. 

Karin Tyler of the Department of Community Wellness and Safety said while they have also spoken with the kids, it has not been without challenges. 

"We’re just exploring a lot of different things and getting geared up for summer. But we have a lot of transitional things going on within our office right now," Tyler said. 

By "transition things," Tyler meant staffing adjustments. 

What's next:

Milwaukee police said a parent academy will be held at North Division High School to talk with parents about teen takeover trends. That is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22.