Nuisance Activity

The main purpose of a police department is to enforce the laws and protect the citizens of the community which it serves. Often times, the police are called upon to ‘solve problems’ that affect the community as a whole or just a specific neighborhood. These calls can include offenses such as loud noise, disorderly people, fighting, damage to property, drug offenses, and the list goes on. Many times some of these problems are not criminal in nature and may be viewed by some as minor when compared to other crimes; however these problems affect the quality of life for all of us.

Here in Northeast Wisconsin, our quality of life has been an important part and reason that many of us choose to live and raise families in this area. Studies have shown that when these quality of life problems go unaddressed, they tend to lead to much bigger problems such as drug dealing, thefts, burglaries, and crimes of violence.  

Solving these problems requires cooperation between the property owners and the police. The police respond to these calls and at times issue a citation or make an arrest, however on some occasions the problem continues. Neighbors find that while the police show up when called, they rarely solve the problem. Meanwhile, police express frustration that neighbors don’t understand the limits of police power. It is then that we need the cooperation of the property owner or business owner to gain compliance and relief for the neighborhood.  

Many communities across Wisconsin have adopted a Chronic Nuisance Abatement Program to address these problems. The program is not all about enforcement and fines; but focuses on education and increased communication. We often look only to the police for solutions and forget that neighbors, landlords and property owners have tremendous power over the basic health of a community. 

The most effective way to deal with nuisance activity is through a coordinated effort with police, landlords, property owners and neighbors. Although, for those property owners that do not wish to work together and if problems continue on their property, there can be enforcement action taken.

This program has proven successful in these communities in reducing repeated nuisance activity, shutting down drug houses and preventing future crimes.

To learn more about this program, look for our Nuisance Abatement class or contact us at Public Safety!