Sensitive Crimes Division

The Sensitive Crimes Division is responsible for investigating crimes against children and crimes of sensitive nature which includes:

domestic violence,

sexual assault,

child abuse and neglect,

interference with child custody,

missing persons, prostitution,

and human trafficking.

Domestic Violence

About Us:

The Milwaukee Police Department Domestic Violence High Risk Team works out of the Sensitive Crimes Division to address domestic violence cases at high-risk for homicide.

What we do:

Review all cases staffed by the Milwaukee County DVHRT that originated by the Milwaukee Police Department, review and provide historical information on victim and abusers, and provide recommendations during case reviews.
Work with each of the seven Milwaukee Police Districts regarding domestic violence investigations. Assist in coordinating home visits for the abuse victims and assist in the apprehension of abusers.
Investigate complex stalking investigations,
Investigate intimidation of domestic violence victims
Serve as consultants to fellow law enforcement, advocates, and prosecutors for especially complex domestic violence cases to advise of best practices and next steps.
Train other department members on best practices and advanced investigations related to domestic violence.

Domestic abuse, also called "domestic violence" or "intimate partner violence", can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person.

Domestic Violence Warning Signs

Pushing for quick involvement – Coming on Strong

Jealousy – excessive phone calls, constant visits, constant questioning about whereabouts and who was there, preventing someone from working or seeing friends because “you might meet someone”.

Controlling Behavior – Interrogates you on where you were, who you were with, and who was there. Keeps control of finances, and makes you feel like you need to ask for permission to do anything.

Isolation – Tries to cut a person off from all friends and family and makes them reliant on the abuser for all needs.

Verbal Abuse – Constant criticism or says blatantly cruel and hurtful things.

Exerts Privilege – Expects you to serve, obey, and remain at home.

Threats of violence – Makes verbal threats of violence or threats to kill.

Controls Social Media – Demands access to phone and social media accounts, questions you on activity, spies on your social media activity.

Supporting someone in a domestic violence relationship

Saying "I believe you" is often more powerful than any advice.
Listen more than you speak
Creating space without filling it with solutions or opinions is a skill worth practicing.
Say what you observe, not what you judge
"I noticed you seemed anxious after that phone call" lands differently than "your partner is controlling."
Ask what kind of support they need.
Some people want to vent. Others want information. Asking first shows respect for their autonomy.
Stay consistent over time.
Checking in regularly, without pressure, communicates that your care is not contingent on them taking action.
Help with practical things.
Offering to keep important documents safe, covering a bill, or providing a place to stay can reduce real barriers.
Educate yourself.
Understanding the dynamics of coercive control takes the emotional burden of explanation off the survivor.

Resources and Links:

Sojourner Truth Family Peace Center https://familypeacecenter.org/

UMOS Latina Resource Center https://www.umos.org/latina-resource-center/

Asha Family Services https://ashafamilyservices.org/

Domestic Violence 24-hour Hotline https://www.thehotline.org/

Safety Planning https://www.womenslaw.org/safety-planning/domestic-violence-victims/safety-while-living-abuser

Restraining Orders https://waitwhile.com/locations/sojourner

Counseling Services https://weareheremke.org/

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide – including right here in the United States. It can happen in any community and victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality.

Click Here to go to the Missing Person's Page

Made possible/funded by the Milwaukee Police Foundation

The Milwaukee Police Department –Sensitive Crimes Division recently launched the Wandering Prevention program issuing door alarms free of charge for person(s) who have been diagnosed with Autism or a Memory Disorder (i.e. Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, or other permanent cognitive conditions). The program was created to prevent those who may suffer from Autism or a Memory Disorder from becoming a critical missing/silver alert and to give helpful information to caregivers. The door alarm will notify the caregiver that a door has been opened with a siren.

The goal of the SAFER program is to provide members of public safety, primarily law enforcement and emergency medical services, with critical information regarding a person with special needs. When responding to a call for service or similar incident that involves a person with special needs, first responders receive information about that person through an “alert”. Information contained in the “alert” are things like specific conditions, potential triggers, and effective de-escalation techniques. The “alert” signifies to members of public safety that they may be encountering a person who needs specialized communication, care, or interventions, specific to their unique needs. “Alerts” are generated when a registered address or person is entered into the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system and records management system (RMS).

Learn More About the S.A.F.E.R Program: