Steil Leads Effort to Support Whitewater Police Department

WASHINGTON (June 26, 2024) - Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) called on the U.S. Department of Justice Director Hugh Clements to approve the Whitewater Police Department’s grant application. The grant will advance public safety through community policing by funding additional full-time law enforcement positions to meet Whitewater’s growing needs.

The City of Whitewater Police Department submitted a grant application to the U.S. Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office. If the request is approved by the DOJ, the Whitewater Police Department would be able to hire three additional police officers.

Steil’s request comes ahead of the Institute of Reforming Government releasing a new report this week on how the border crisis has caused immense challenges for the City of Whitewater. The report details how the failure to secure the southern border has led to a cartel running illegal operations in the community. IRG’s report also points to how law enforcement and social services are being burdened and the community is feeling the strain.

Excerpts and highlights from Steil’s letter below:

“While the Whitewater community has implemented strategies in adapting to these population changes, their community and department have experienced strains on their budgets and resources while responding to these additional challenges. [The Whitewater] police department has experienced an uptick in unlicensed drivers, an increase in citations issued, increased costs for translation services, and a higher workload.

“As a result, it is becoming more difficult for their officers to proactively serve the community. I am hopeful that these additional officers will help alleviate the challenges that their department faces, as well as benefit the entire Whitewater community with advancing public safety through community policing activities, strengthened community partnerships, and crime prevention strategies.”

NOTE: Last year, Rep. Steil and Senator Ron Johnson hosted a roundtable with Walworth County and Whitewater law enforcement, including Whitewater Police Chief Meyer, on the impact illegal immigration is having on the community. Earlier this year, Rep. Steil responded to Chief Daniel Meyer’s letter to President Biden requesting help with an increase of migrants in the city.

CLICK HERE to read the full letter.

CLICK HERE to read IRG’s report.

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