SHAWANO, WI – Shawano Police are raising concerns about a troubling trend involving groups of juveniles targeting park visitors and attempting to provoke confrontations.
Police Chief Mike Musolff discussed the issue during a recent Shawano Common Council meeting, saying incidents have been reported at parks throughout the city and are becoming a growing public safety concern.
According to Musolff, the behavior often follows a similar pattern.
“They form a group. One of the kids will video, and the other one will try to get somebody that’s just sitting there doing whatever they want to do, watch a game or whatever, try to get them to fight with them,” Musolff said.
The chief said the incidents are especially concerning because they are occurring in public spaces intended for families and recreational activities.
“It’s disheartening,” Musolff said. “The parks are there for people to go visit and enjoy.”
Musolff said officers have responded to complaints from multiple parks across the city and have spent significant time investigating reports and identifying those involved.
“We’ve been spending pretty much all week this week,” Musolff said. “Officer Hoffman has been investigating this one situation that happened.”
The chief believes social media may be playing a role in the behavior, with some juveniles allegedly seeking reactions that can be posted online.
“I think that’s what they do, is they post them on TikTok, the videos where they’re trying to get reactions out of people that they’re doing it in front of,” Musolff said.
Musolff also expressed frustration with what happens after investigations begin, saying some parents immediately dismiss allegations involving their children.
“I think that’s part of the problem, that these kids think they can go out and do what they want because their parents believe everything they say,” Musolff said.
The department is taking a firm stance against anyone found harassing or intimidating park visitors.
“It’s done,” Musolff said. “You’re just going to get banned from the parks. You’ll get trespassed. If you come back, you get a citation.”
Musolff emphasized that the city’s parks are intended to be welcoming places for families, children and community members, and police will continue to address any behavior that threatens that environment.
“We don’t want to deal with it,” Musolff said. “The parks are there for the good people to go visit and enjoy. They’re not there for the riffraff to come in there and harass people.”
Police encourage residents to report suspicious or aggressive behavior immediately so officers can respond before situations escalate.
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