SHAWANO, WI – Law Enforcement in the area is making it known that you do not need to have a letter from your employer in order to drive or leave your home as the new “Safe at Home” order is in effect.
The order states that people should stay home unless they are traveling to and from working an essential job or unless they have to make a necessary trip. The order also states that law enforcement will have the ability to enforce the order, but that left many people thinking officials would go out looking for violators.
Shawano County Sheriff Adam Bieber says while the order gives law enforcement the right to enforce the Safe At Home Order, it will not be done by random traffic stops.
“A lot of people are worried that cops are going to be randomly stopping people and seeing where they are going, but that is just not going to happen.”
He says the same is true when it comes to social distancing.
“We are not going to go around and see what businesses are open. We are not going to count people. We are not going to go around with a tape measure and see if people are six-feet away.”
At the same time, Sheriff Bieber says people still need to follow the orders set by Governor Evers.
Shawano Police Chief Dan Mauel says it comes down to the officer’s approach.
“We have asked our officers to use gentle persuasion. We are not looking to cite anybody, but they have to abide by what the Governor said.”
Sheriff Bieber says a big priority is to ensure that his officers stay safe by not having them unnecessary contacts.
“If they do come in contact with someone with the virus, they would need to be taken off duty for 14 days and that would really hinder are chance to respond to all people with emergencies like we do.”
Many other local law enforcement agencies have sent similar messages.
Oconto County Sheriff Todd Skarban sent out a message saying there will not be stops without reasonable suspicion of a violation, just like there always is and nobody will be detained or questioned as to why they left their home. The Waupaca County Sheriff’s Department made a post stating there are rumors that citizens traveling within their own communities will be stopped and asked to produce credentials showing that their travel is essential, but that is false.
All agencies say the reason for conducting the traffic stop would be the same as it was before the Coronavirus.
“We need to have probable cause to stop someone. If you are speeding, yeah we can stop you, but we are not going to ask you where you are going and issue you a citation if we deem it non-essential,” said Sheriff Bieber.
He says they would still respond to complaints if needed.
Shawano County Sheriff Adam Bieber addresses “Safe At Home” Order Enforcement
Shawano Police Chief Dan Mauel
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