Milwaukee police to install bullet-resistant glass inside all stations in response to District 5 shooting
The Milwaukee Police Department announced Tuesday it will install bullet-resistant glass inside its stations.
Milwaukee police said the move comes in direct response to the District 5 shooting in February, according to a department news release.
"When an individual entered the Milwaukee Police District 5 station on February 25, 2022, and opened fire on the staff, he endangered the safety and well-being of the police officers and civilian employees within the station, as well as the community members in the district lobby," the news release states.
"In response to this incident, the Milwaukee Police Department immediately explored options to improve its police district station safety by examining national best practices, surveying its employees, and reaching out to community members and elected officials. Based on feedback and overwhelming community support, MPD is moving forward with installing bullet-resistant glass at its police districts."
Police and prosecutors say 23-year-old Darreon Parker-Bell opened fire inside the District 5 station following the in-custody death of his best friend, Keishon D. Thomas. Previously released edited surveillance footage provided by Milwaukee police showed parts of the incident.
Parker-Bell was charged on March 1 with attempted first-degree intentional homicide and seven counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety.
Police say the citywide safety project will cost $260,000 and will be funded through gifts to the Milwaukee Police Foundation.
Former Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, Phoenix Investors and Klein Development each donated $65,000. The foundation contributed the remaining $65,000.
"These gifts were facilitated with the coordination and support from Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman," the police news release states.
“I thank the Police Foundation and the people who have stepped up for their concern and their generosity,” Johnson said. “To make Milwaukee safer, the best way forward is with partnerships. This effort is a solid example of such a partnership.
"The Milwaukee Police Department is, once again, incredibly grateful for the Milwaukee Police Foundation's support with this generous gift to increase public safety within our police districts," said Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman.
Police say the security measures will be installed incrementally throughout this spring.
Contact Drake Bentley at (414) 391-5647 or DBentley1@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DrakeBentleyMJS.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Police to install bullet-resistant glass inside all its stations