Governor Tony Evers said Monday that local law enforcement — city police departments and county sheriff’s offices — would have the authority to enforce his “safer at home” order, which closed many non-essential businesses and prohibits unnecessary travel. But law enforcement officers in Madison and Dane County would really rather not have to do that.
In a blog post Wednesday, Acting Madison Police Chief Victor Wahl wrote, “My focus, like that of all involved in responding to this crisis, is the health and welfare of our community. I want MPD officers to be focusing on other things – like providing extra patrol to the many businesses required to close unexpectedly – rather than enforcing this order. The Madison community has done a fantastic job so far of complying with the orders that have been issued. These efforts will pay off…please keep it up!”
Madison Police Department spokesman Joel Despain said that some businesses forced to close asked police for increased patrols, and that there was an attempted burglary at West Towne Mall after it closed earlier this week.
“There is much anxiety in the community right now. We are doing all we can to let people know that we are there for them,” Despain said.
Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney said his office is relying on people to act responsibly and follow the new rules. He said in the event of large gatherings or non-essential businesses being open, his office would contact Public Health Madison and Dane County to investigate and that intervention by law enforcement would be “a last resort.”
He also said deputies would not be pulling vehicles over to check that people are traveling only to approved places. However, just because there’s less traffic doesn’t mean it’s the time for speed.
“If the Beltline continues to be traveled like it’s the Autobahn, we will be making the Beltline and speeders a project,” Mahoney said.
