Milwaukee Police Association President Alexander Ayala has voiced strong criticism over Milwaukee Public Schools’ (MPS) delay in reinstating school resource officers (SROs). According to data obtained through an open records request, police were called to MPS schools 3,141 times last year, underscoring the need for a dedicated presence in schools. 

Ayala argues that the reinstatement of SROs is not just a recommendation but a legal requirement. The recent Act 12, enacted under state law, mandates that MPS reintegrate 25 SROs by January 2024. Despite this, MPS has yet to fully comply. Interim Superintendent Eduardo Galvan acknowledged the delay, stating that while the district is working towards meeting the requirement, a definitive timeline for the reinstatement remains unclear.

WISN 12 News reported that Ayala is critical of the district’s urgency in addressing the issue. “It’s been eight or nine months since Act 12 was implemented, and they’re clearly not following the law,” Ayala said. He emphasized the constant need for police presence in schools, which currently diverts resources from other neighborhood issues, according to WISN12.

The delay has also attracted scrutiny from school board members. Marcela Garcia suggested that the slow progress reflects both the complexity of the situation and resistance to the mandate. On the other hand, Henry Leonard expressed personal reservations about having SROs in schools, though he did not outright oppose the program.

Governor Tony Evers, when questioned about the delay, noted that both sides are making efforts to address the situation, suggesting that some teething problems were expected as the school year commenced.

Criticism has also come from state lawmakers. Republican Sen. John Jagler accused MPS of misallocating funds on out-of-state visits rather than focusing on the pressing need for SROs. According to Jagler, these site visits, which included destinations like Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, were costly and potentially unnecessary.

Ayala countered by highlighting the benefits of having SROs who are specially trained to handle issues specific to school environments. He believes that a well-integrated SRO program can address student safety concerns effectively, providing stability and support where it is most needed.