Madison Police: Mifflin St. Block Party Needs To End

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Madison police are joining other city leaders in opposing the annual Mifflin Street block party. They say the alcohol-fueled event leads to violence and exorbitant police costs.

A police report on the 2011 event says the block party "simply cannot continue."

The 42-year-old event takes place near the end of the University of Wisconsin-Madison school year. The report says this year's party was marred by violence that included two stabbings, three sexual assaults, three injured officers and 162 arrests.

A Wisconsin State Journal report says Mayor Paul Soglin has also called for the annual parties to end. However, he acknowledges it might take years to fully eliminate them.

Alderman Mike Verveer agrees. He says police arrived at a "fine conclusion" but ending the event is easier said than done.

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