Statement From Wauwatosa Chief Barry Weber From October 9, 2020

Press release from the City of Wauwatosa:

October 9, 2020

First, I want to thank our local law enforcement partners and the Wisconsin National Guard for their assistance with maintaining peace and preserving public safety for all area residents. These police officers and Guardsmen from every corner of Wisconsin are serving an important role during this time and their assistance is great appreciated.

Tonight, I met with law enforcement personnel who will be serving in Wauwatosa. I want to share some of the direction I gave them. Our primary objective is to keep everyone safe.

We hear the message from the public, and recognize the evolution required for law enforcement agencies in this age. Just as we hear the people. In the interest of safety, we want to be sure people hear us during these demonstrations.

We trust our officers to assess what is happening on the scene. For example, we tell our officers that if there is a group that is voluntarily walking back to their car, then that is okay. Let them go.

If people are exhibiting behavior that is unlawful or disorderly, then we give them instructions multiple times to leave the area and follow the requirements of the emergency order and curfew. They are provided ample opportunity to follow those instructions. Otherwise, they are subject to arrest.

Our goal is voluntary compliance.

There is a curfew again tonight in Wauwatosa from 7pm to 6am and each night this weekend, ending at 6:00 am on October 12, 2020. We continue to ask everyone to comply with the emergency order in place.

Thank you, and everyone stay safe.

This press release was produced by the City of Wauwatosa. The views expressed here are the author’s own.