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The 1980's began with turmoil in the department. High profile brutality cases, former Playboy Bunny turned cop charged with
murder, and a department wide strike after the slaying of two officers rocked the city. 1985 saw the creation of the Crime Prevention
Unit. This became the community outreach arm of the agency. 1986 saw the introduction of air conditioning to our squad cars. While
this was not new technology, previous chief's believed if officers had air conditioning they would roll up their squad windows and
miss calls for help. District One was eliminated and absorbed by Districts Five and Two and the Metropolitan Division was created.
These officers had responsibilities that covered the entire city. Units like the Harbor Patrol, Motorcycle Unit, and Tactical
Enforcement Unit made up "Metro."
murder, and a department wide strike after the slaying of two officers rocked the city. 1985 saw the creation of the Crime Prevention
Unit. This became the community outreach arm of the agency. 1986 saw the introduction of air conditioning to our squad cars. While
this was not new technology, previous chief's believed if officers had air conditioning they would roll up their squad windows and
miss calls for help. District One was eliminated and absorbed by Districts Five and Two and the Metropolitan Division was created.
These officers had responsibilities that covered the entire city. Units like the Harbor Patrol, Motorcycle Unit, and Tactical
Enforcement Unit made up "Metro."
December 24, 1981 Officers walk off the job after Alderman Roy Nabors justified the slaying of two coppers by saying the community feared
police brutality. The "Blue Flu" ended when officers returned to work after just one day when the Alderman issued an apology.
police brutality. The "Blue Flu" ended when officers returned to work after just one day when the Alderman issued an apology.
P.O. Charles Mehlberg
P.O. John Machajewski
July 31, 1981 Police Chief Breier stands behind his officers during a protest
over the death of Earnest Lacy while in police custody.
over the death of Earnest Lacy while in police custody.
August 1982 Officers return to walking
beats in an attempt to rebuild bonds with the
community.
beats in an attempt to rebuild bonds with the
community.
1986 A couple of coppers walking the
downtown beat.
downtown beat.
P.O. Rosario Collura
1985 It always takes tragedy to bring change. These 2 officers
deaths made bulletproof vests regular issue for Milwaukee
Officers. This was also the second time P.O. Collura had been
shot in the line of duty.
deaths made bulletproof vests regular issue for Milwaukee
Officers. This was also the second time P.O. Collura had been
shot in the line of duty.
P.O. Leonard Lesnieski
1986 Copper investigate a roll-over accident on 100th and Capitol
Drive.
Drive.
1985 On Patrol at the Great Circus Parade.
1985 Parking enforcement on the streets
of downtown Milwaukee.
of downtown Milwaukee.
1986 Milwaukee's "Talking Squad" was one of the tools used by the Crime Prevention Unit to reach out to kids.
1985 Meeting up on the beat.
1985 Swinging traffic is truly the gift of the
"Bikemen."
"Bikemen."
1986 Capt. William Gielow and a
Sergeant confer during a downtown run.
Sergeant confer during a downtown run.
1986 Changes in the uniform of the Milwaukee Police Department took place this year. It was the first major change in the uniform since the
early 1900's. The patch was changed to include the City of Milwaukee seal. The biggest change in the uniform was a dark blue shirt instead
of the traditional light blue. Squad cars also had the new patch as a door decal, a blue stripe, and red and blue lights added to the cars.
early 1900's. The patch was changed to include the City of Milwaukee seal. The biggest change in the uniform was a dark blue shirt instead
of the traditional light blue. Squad cars also had the new patch as a door decal, a blue stripe, and red and blue lights added to the cars.
Old Door Decal
May 11, 1987 News Coverage of the fatal squad accident involving
P.O. Roger Sterling. Footage shows the dramatic rescue effort of
officers to save P.O. Gary Gelhaar who was trapped in his burning
squad.
P.O. Roger Sterling. Footage shows the dramatic rescue effort of
officers to save P.O. Gary Gelhaar who was trapped in his burning
squad.
1981 Officers report for duty on Christmas Day.
1981 An officer's frustration is evident in the 1981 editorial from the
Milwaukee Sentinel.
Milwaukee Sentinel.
1986 When the department changed uniforms styles, these photos
were released to show the public the new look. Photos courtesy of the
Milwaukee Police Historical Society
were released to show the public the new look. Photos courtesy of the
Milwaukee Police Historical Society
| Paperwork of the 1980's (Donated by Police Officer Robert Enters) |
| Warning Card |
| FI Card |
| Tow Slip |
| Order In Slip |
This picture was taken at the Vice Squad in 1985 after the largest siezure
760 pounds of marijuana. In the are Richard Tarczynski, Tom Casper, Ken
Majewski, Don Gaglione, Bill Abbot, Al Wilke and Tony Roario.(Photo courtesy of
Det. Richard Tarczynski)
760 pounds of marijuana. In the are Richard Tarczynski, Tom Casper, Ken
Majewski, Don Gaglione, Bill Abbot, Al Wilke and Tony Roario.(Photo courtesy of
Det. Richard Tarczynski)
1980
1989
1983 Police investigate a shooting scene at a restaurant on 16th and North
Ave.
Ave.
| 1986 Squad accident on a cold fall night. |
A "Picture Car" takes photos at the scene of a head on crash.