Southern Wisconsin Times

WASHINGTON (June 26, 2024) - Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) has urged U.S. Department of Justice Director Hugh Clements to approve the Whitewater Police Department’s grant application. The grant aims to enhance public safety through community policing by funding additional full-time law enforcement positions to address 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 approved, the department would be able to hire three additional police officers.

Steil’s request coincides with the Institute of Reforming Government's upcoming report on how the border crisis has created significant challenges for Whitewater. The report outlines how failure to secure the southern border has allowed cartels to operate illegally within the community, burdening law enforcement and social services.

In his letter, Steil highlighted several issues: “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."

He added, “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.”

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