MILWAUKEE — On Tuesday, Milwaukee Common Council approved a plan to place resource officers back in Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS). 

What You Need To Know

  • On Tuesday, Milwaukee Common Council approved a plan to place resource officers back in Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS)

  • The deal will bring school resource officers (SROs) back into the district for the first time since 2020

  • The agreement included a provision that the resource officers will only step in when students break the law

  • The program is expected to cost nearly $1.6 million. After a judge’s ruling last month, the city and the school district will each pay half of the cost

The council approved the resolution on a 10-to-4 vote.

The deal will bring school resource officers (SROs) back into the district for the first time since 2020.

The agreement included a provision that the resource officers will only step in when students break the law.

Supporters of the resolution argued that dedicated SROs will provide a structured, trained presence in schools, distinguishing them from officers who respond to incidents as they arise.

“Police are already in our schools, but I think it is important that we dedicated, specialized and trained school resource officers in schools instead of whoever happens to be nearby,” said Alderman Peter Burgelis, who represents District 11.

Opponents, however, remained skeptical. Some council members raised concerns about the source of funding and the impact of removing officers from their existing police duties.

“Where are these 25 officers coming from?” asked Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, who represents District 14. “They are not 25 new officers. They are coming from our existing police force.”

The program is expected to cost nearly $1.6 million. After a judge’s ruling last month, the city and the school district will each pay half of the cost.

For over a year, MPS was required to place 25 SROs in its schools as required by Act 12.

Last month, Judge David Borowski found the city in contempt and imposed a $1,000 dollar a day fine for violating his order to have officers in the schools by Feb. 27. Those penalties do not go into effect until March 15 to give the city and MPS time to sign a memorandum of understanding.

The officers will be required to complete 40 hours of SRO training or be enrolled in the training class by March 15. Training is scheduled to begin on March 10.  

“SROs aren’t just law enforcement officers; they’re mentors, role models, educators in schools,” Burgelis. “Many students, especially those in difficult home situations, benefit from having a trusted adult in their lives.”

But Dimitrijevic and several other council members said the presence of officers could heighten tensions rather than improve safety.

“I’m not sure how this will make families and children feel safer,” said Dimitrijevic.

Borowski also previously ordered the city to provide the names of the 25 SROs and their designated school assignments by March 15.

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