Public safety reports pilot package room and coordinated response to 'takeover' gatherings

Chief Marlon Davis summarized recent public‑safety work for the board, highlighting two operational items: a package‑room pilot at Highland Gardens and a rapid deployment to deter planned "takeover" gatherings.

Davis said the package room — a secure, camera‑monitored space accessed by resident badge — was installed with repurposed cameras and internally sourced shelving to limit cost. He described the pilot as successful and said the authority will look for other developments where a package room is a feasible mitigation for package theft.

On broader safety, Davis outlined a proactive deployment in coordination with the Milwaukee Police Department and other partners after intelligence suggested possible youth gatherings at Westlawn, Hillside, Carver and Parklawn. Public‑safety staff increased patrols and established line‑of‑sight coordination with district command; the events did not result in major incidents. Davis said the department has adjusted some security‑provider schedules and reallocated resources to balance cost-savings and coverage.

Commissioners asked for data on patrol hours, camera coverage and the list of properties that receive repeated patrols; Chief Davis said staff would prepare a top‑five properties listing and include that information in future reports. Commissioners also pressed for rapid follow-up on resident reports of unauthorized people in stairwells at Arlington Court; Davis said the department will add that to rotational patrols and work with property management on trespass enforcement and lease remedies where warranted.