Violating 'Safer At Home' Order In Wauwatosa Could Cost You

WAUWATOSA, WI — Authorities in Wauwatosa say they haven't seen any major changes in crime levels or activities since coronavirus-related public health orders went into place, though police have two new ordinances that establish penalties for people caught violating the public health order.

"We have not seen a dramatic change in the numbers or types of calls for service. Other than, obviously, less retail establishments are open so there are less calls related to overall retail theft and retail businesses," Wauwatosa Police Captain Brian Zalewski told Wauwatosa Patch. "There is less traffic on the roads, which is good, given the new 'Safer At Home' order issued by Governor Evers."

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Zalewski said his department has seen a number of people call police to report potential violations of the safer-at-home order. "As the length of time increases of the order, we may see a change in the number and types of calls, but we don’t anticipate major changes," he said.

On March 24, The Wauwatosa Common Council adopted two state statutes to assist local police Department in enforcing any health orders, such as those related to the coronavirus. "If we need to enforce the orders, we certainly will and we will utilize the new ordinances to do so," he said.

According to Wauwatosa meeting documents, the new ordinances are:

252.25 Violation of law relating to health. Any person who willfully violates or obstructs the execution of any state statute or rule, county, city or village ordinance or departmental order under this chapter and relating to the public health, for which no other penalty is prescribed, shall be imprisoned for not more than 30 days or fined not more than $500 or both.

323.28 Penalties. Whoever intentionally fails to comply with an order issued by an agent of the state or of a local unit of government who is engaged in emergency management activities under this chapter, including training exercises, is subject to a forfeiture of not more than $200.

"We also want the public to understand, although people are ordered to stay at home, there are numerous exceptions," Zalewski said. "The full emergency order explains this in detail. When people are using shared or outdoor spaces other than their home or residence, they must as reasonably possible maintain social distancing of at least six (6) feet from any other person, except that they do not need to maintain social distancing between family members in a single living unit or household members."

Zalewski said the safer at home order actually encourages people to engage in outdoor activity, including visiting public and state parks, provided individuals comply with Social Distancing Requirements. Such activities include, by way of example and without limitation, walking, biking, hiking, or running.

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