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7 Major Updates You Need To Know About The City Of Racine Police Department In 2025

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The City of Racine Police Department (RPD) has been at the forefront of significant changes and rising challenges as of late 2024 and early 2025. The department, which serves the City of Racine in southeastern Wisconsin, is navigating a complex landscape that includes a notable increase in violent crime, ongoing police reform efforts, and a renewed focus on community-oriented policing (COP) initiatives. The RPD is actively working to enhance public safety while simultaneously building greater trust and transparency with the residents of Racine.

The current environment sees the RPD implementing new policies, such as the adoption of Body Worn Cameras (BWC) and an explicit ban on chokeholds, all under the leadership of its first-ever Latino Chief of Police, Alexander "Alex" Ramirez. Understanding these recent developments, from crime statistics to community engagement programs, is essential for anyone interested in the future of law enforcement in the city.

Chief Alexander "Alex" Ramirez: Biography and Leadership Profile

Chief Alexander "Alex" Ramirez is a pivotal figure in the recent history of the Racine Police Department, representing a significant milestone for the city.

  • Name: Alexander "Alex" Ramirez
  • Current Role: Chief of Police, City of Racine Police Department (RPD)
  • Appointment Date (Permanent): November 2, 2023
  • Sworn-In Ceremony: December 1, 2023
  • Historical Significance: Chief Ramirez is the first Latino Chief of Police in the City of Racine's history.
  • Previous Role: Served as Interim Chief of Police starting in July 2023 following the departure of former Chief Maurice A.
  • Decision Body: His promotion to permanent Chief was voted on by the City of Racine Fire and Police Commission.
  • Focus: His leadership has centered on enhancing community engagement, driving police reform, and addressing the city's rising violent crime challenges.

The RPD's Response to Rising Crime and Critical Incidents

The City of Racine Police Department is currently grappling with a notable increase in violent crime, necessitating a shift in tactical and strategic operations. The department's focus is on targeted enforcement and specialized units to address these pressing public safety concerns.

Escalation of Homicides in 2025

As of July 2025, the City of Racine recorded its fourth homicide of the year, a concerning statistic when compared to only two homicides recorded at the same time the previous year. This rise underscores the challenges faced by the RPD and community leaders in addressing gun violence.

The department utilizes its specialized Violent Crime and Intelligence Unit, which works closely with the Detective Bureau and the Criminalist Section to investigate serious offenses. They also leverage advanced tools like the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network Unit to trace and solve gun-related crimes.

Addressing Disruptive "Takeovers"

In a recent and visible display of proactive policing, the Racine Police Department has stepped up patrols to halt "takeovers," which are large, disruptive gatherings often involving reckless driving and public disorder. This increase in patrol efforts is a direct response to community concerns over these incidents, aiming to restore order and safety in affected neighborhoods.

Officer-Involved Critical Incidents

The RPD remains under scrutiny regarding officer-involved critical incidents, which are reviewed by external agencies. A recent example includes an incident involving Marlon M. Anderson on May 4, 2025, which is under review by the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DCI). These incidents highlight the ongoing need for transparency and adherence to new policy standards.

Key Pillars of Modern Police Reform and Transparency

Police reform is not a static concept in Racine; it is an active, evolving process that seeks to change policing policies and procedures while engaging residents. The RPD has implemented several key reforms to enhance accountability and public trust in 2024 and 2025.

Body Worn Cameras (BWC) Implementation

The RPD has officially adopted the use of Body Worn Cameras (BWC) as a cornerstone of its transparency efforts. This policy, officially designated as Policy 1946, aims to more accurately record police-citizen interactions, improve evidence collection, and increase accountability for both officers and the public. This move follows years of research and planning to overcome technological and funding hurdles.

Chokehold Ban and Use-of-Force Review

As part of its commitment to police reform, the Racine Police Department is planning to explicitly ban the use of chokeholds. This is a critical policy change intended to de-escalate confrontations and reduce the potential for serious injury or death during arrests. Furthermore, the department is committed to regular use-of-force review and performance evaluations to ensure officers adhere to the highest standards.

Focus on Records Retention

Transparency also extends to the administrative side of the RPD. A significant initiative includes updating Racine's records retention policy to ensure all city departments, including the RPD, maintain and provide accurate public records in a timely manner.

Innovative Community-Oriented Policing (COP) Initiatives

The RPD's strategy for crime reduction is heavily invested in Community Oriented Policing (COP), focusing on neighborhood stabilization and harm-reduction initiatives. These programs are designed to foster stronger relationships with residents and address the root causes of crime.

  • The Cadet Program: This recruitment and development program is a vital part of the RPD's long-term staffing plan. In 2024, the program continued its programming, providing hands-on training and community outreach opportunities for future officers. Cadets are instrumental in supporting department functions and attending community events.
  • COP Unit and Neighborhood Stabilization: The dedicated COP Unit is tasked with targeted problem-oriented policing and neighborhood stabilization. This involves location-specific programming and coordination with community stakeholders to address localized disorder and quality-of-life issues.
  • Gang Diversion Efforts and Community Connectors: The RPD is actively engaged in gang diversion efforts and neighborhood transformation as key initiatives. These programs, which often involve securing grants like the OJA Grant, aim to reduce the likelihood of youth involvement in gang-related activities. The city also utilizes Community Connectors—trained individuals who identify signs of gang involvement and work on prevention through education and parental involvement.
  • Harm-Reduction Policing: The department explicitly budgets for community policing harm-reduction type initiatives. In a unique approach, the RPD has previously rented six properties in the area for a three-year period, with each house being manned by a single officer to embed law enforcement directly into the community fabric, demonstrating a deep commitment to localized policing.

The City of Racine Police Department's journey in 2025 is defined by a dual mandate: aggressively combatting a rise in violent crime while simultaneously accelerating significant police reform and transparency measures. Under Chief Ramirez's leadership, the RPD continues to evolve, utilizing its Violent Crime Unit for enforcement and its extensive COP Unit and Cadet Program for building bridges and securing the city's future. The success of these efforts, from the implementation of Body Worn Cameras to the effectiveness of Gang Diversion Efforts, will determine the safety and trust levels in the years to come.

7 Major Updates You Need to Know About the City of Racine Police Department in 2025
city of racine police
city of racine police

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