Milwaukee Police Department Will Enforce Safer At Home Ordinance Violations

Press release from the Milwaukee Police Department:

April 24, 2020

Effective May 2, 2020, the Milwaukee Common Council will authorize both the Milwaukee Police Department and the Milwaukee Health Department to issue citations for violations of Governor Tony Evers’ “Safer at Home” order.

The Milwaukee City Ordinance “Violation or Obstruction of Orders” citation can be issued by MPD officers and members of the health department to any individual who willfully violates or obstructs the execution of the order.

The citation does not replace the option to arrest and pursue criminal charges under state statute. As stated in a press release issued by MPD on April 6, 2020, “Individuals who are out and commit crime will be arrested for violating the Governor’s order along with the crime the individual was initially arrested for. Individuals who are out for non-essential reasons and are involved in activity that leads to their victimization, or to the victimization of another, will be arrested for violating the Governor’s order.”

MPD will continue to educate those who we come in contact with about the order; however, repeat offenders may be cited or arrested.

It should be noted that MPD officers have issued citations such as Resisting/Obstructing Police Officer to individuals who do not adhere to the order and will continue to issue that citation until the effective date of the “Violation or Obstruction of Orders” citation.

We all play a part in reducing the spread of COVID-19. Follow the Safer at Home order and only go out for essential needs. Remember, we are in this together.

This press release was produced by the Milwaukee Police Department. The views expressed here are the author’s own.