Milwaukee City Wire

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson recently named Alderman Ashanti Hamilton as the director of the city's Office of Violence Prevention (OVP).

"I'm looking forward to hitting the ground running," Hamilton told FOX6 Now. "There's been some concern about whether or not there is a continued commitment to understanding that violence is a public health issue, and our approaches to solving violence in our community has [sic] to continue with that approach – that there are strategies out there that work, that we have to continue to invest in those strategies."

Hamilton replaces Arnitta Holliman, FOX6 Now reported. Holliman openly protested her termination on Aug. 3 after being in office for 14 months and called it unprofessional. She alleged that she received no performance reviews, warnings, or disciplinary action leading up to her termination.

"OVP should never be solely held accountable for a rise in homicide numbers," Holliman said. "OVP is one office. The mayor has repeatedly said that this takes a multi-pronged – or an approach that is not just MPD [the Milwaukee Police Department]. It’s OVP but also the community."

The change in leadership comes as homicides across the city have increased by 33%, according to FOX6 Now. The number this year will likely break the record that was set last year. Over 140 homicides have been recorded this year, compared with 106 at the same time last year.

Other categories of violent crimes decreased when compared with this time last year, FOX6 Now reported. Rape is down by 41% and robberies are down by 9%. There have been 537 non-fatal shootings and 251 carjackings reported so far this year.

"He understands the needs for results – tangible metrics that show we're making Milwaukee safer," Johnson said of Hamilton.

The new director of OVP said he plans to build upon the partnership with the community to address violence in the city, according to FOX6 Now. He said that he will resign his seat as alderman for District 1 after he is officially installed in his new position.

"My hope is that the new director will have the full support of the health commissioner and the mayor and his administration – things that I did not receive as the leader of OVP," Holliman said.