Coronavirus In Whitefish Bay: Police See Fewer Calls

WHITEFISH BAY, WI — On Tuesday morning, March 24, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers authorized a "safe at home" order, restricting public movement along a variety of criteria as a way to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus, COVID-19.

Our story on this new order, and what it means for you can be viewed here: Wisconsin 'Safer At Home' Order Issued: 30 Days

We talked with Patrick Whitaker, lieutenant with the Whitefish Bay Police Department to see how things are going in Whitefish Bay. Whitaker said from the department's point of view, they're seeing fewer police calls — a sign that people are taking the mass-gathering and "safe-at-home" orders seriously.

Whitaker went on to elaborate on how the police department will be handling minor compliance issues in the village. You can read our question-and-answer session with Whitefish Bay police here.

Whitefish Bay Patch: Has the call volume and incident volume gone up/down? Has the department seen different types of calls come through?

Whitaker: The Whitefish Bay Police Department has seen a reduction in call volume since the State of Emergency declarations.

Whitefish Bay Patch: We'd also like to know if the department has any strategies in place when it comes to enforcing the various gathering limits and impending stay-at-home order. If a person is caught out doing non-essential things, what would the range of consequences be?

Whitaker: Law enforcement officers seek voluntary compliance first in all enforcement actions. This situation is no different. We can tell by the reduction in call volume and reduced number of people out on a daily basis that citizens are taking this situation seriously. At this time we are not looking to make arrests or write citations.