Sheriff Refuses To Enforce Wisconsin 'Safer At Home' Extension

RACINE COUNTY, WI — Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling said his department will no longer enforce Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers "Safer At Home" order, saying that deputies will now "leave the enforcement of public health orders to the health department experts."

In a statement issued this week, the Schmaling said he would not enforce laws that harm local businesses, nor could he take an active role in restricting freedoms granted citizens in the Constitution.

Evers' "Safer At Home" order went into effect on March 25, and was set to expire on April 24. The order was recently extended through May 26. Many school districts closed for the remainder of the spring semester, and a large number of local businesses remain shuttered.

"The overreaching measures taken by State government will have dire lifetime consequences for businesses, homeowners, and families," he stated. "I took an oath to uphold the constitutional rights of our citizens and I can not in good faith participate in the destruction of Racine County businesses or interfere in the freedoms granted to all of us by our Constitution."

Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters. Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions.

Public health leaders quickly pounced on the Sheriff's statement, painting a dire picture if the "Safer At Home" order is rolled back at a time when the state saw roughly 70 coronavirus-related deaths last week alone across the state.

"Undermining this effort adds confusion to the public which imposes unnecessary risk to many residents. The economic hardships of employers and their employees is clear and definitive," Racine Public Health Director Dottie-Kay Bowersox wrote in response to the Sheriff’s comments. "They are understandably facing challenges that cannot be easily mediated and/or sustained long term. However, ensuring the health and welfare of all community members is an essential duty of all public servants which honors those we have lost or who are struggling at this time."

Schmaling said he's urging the state Department of Health Services to "develop a workable plan that balances the safety of our citizens while at the same time acknowledging the fact that there is a way for business to operate even during the current health situation."

Related Reading

• Wisconsin Coronavirus Tracker
• 2020 Democratic National Convention Postponed
• Coronavirus Closures: Walmart, Woodman's, Target, Mayfair, More

• What's going on in Wisconsin? Find Out Here
• Want to submit an article? It's easy.