MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Police Department and the Milwaukee Health Department will soon issue citations for violations of Governor Tony Evers' "Safer at Home" order.
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Effective May 2, the Milwaukee Common Council will allow both departments to issue the "Violation or Obstruction of Orders" citation. It can be issued by MPD officers and members of the health department to any individual who willfully violates or obstructs the execution of the order.
Officers can issue citations with fines up to $500 to people who don't comply with Gov. Evers' order.
The citation does not replace the option to arrest and pursue criminal charges under state statute.
"Individuals who are out and commit crime will be arrested for violating the Governor’s order along with the crime the individual was initially arrested for," the Milwaukee Police Department writes. "Individuals who are out for non-essential reasons and are involved in activity that leads to their victimization, or to the victimization of another, will be arrested for violating the Governor's order."
The Milwaukee Police Department says they will continue to educate those who they come in contact with about the order; however, repeat offenders may be cited or arrested.
MPD officers have issued citations such as Resisting/Obstructing Police Officer to individuals who do not adhere to the order and will continue to issue that citation until the effective date of the "Violation or Obstruction of Orders" citation.