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Police cite concentrated activity on downtown 400 block, large drug seizures in quarter 2 report
Summary
Wausau police told the Public Health and Safety Committee on July 21 that staff logged many interactions on the downtown 400 block and that CRO investigators seized significant quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine during the quarter; department staff said stabilization will depend partly on shelter and day-center services.
The Wausau Police Department told the Public Health and Safety Committee on July 21 that officers and community service officers recorded significant interactions on the downtown 400 block and that the department’s CRO unit made large drug seizures during the second quarter.
Department leaders said concerns from residents and alderpersons have focused on behavior and the condition of the 400 block; police logged roughly 130 situations there in the quarter that generated CAD numbers, with many more informal interactions that did not produce a CAD entry. Staff said April’s pattern differed because people were dispersed at other private properties until the city opened a shelter in May. Department leaders said they expect continued challenges this year but hope shelter and a day center will mitigate some activity.
Police said officers have noticed an increase of problematic behavior localized to the stage area of the block; staff previously added lighting and a camera at the gazebo, which they said changed activity patterns. The department emphasized that people lawfully using the park are entitled to do so and that officers respond to violations of ordinances or criminal laws when they occur.
The department also reported large drug seizures by its CRO unit, including a seizure described by staff as “a pound of methamphetamine” along with fentanyl and cocaine. Leaders said the seizures did not eliminate drug activity but represented significant enforcement results.
Police said department staff regularly make unannounced visits to downtown businesses to solicit concerns and monitor conditions. Department leaders asked organizers and the public to understand that private security hired by events cannot direct city officers; police will coordinate roles and responsibilities with event organizers when permits are issued.
The committee placed the police quarter 2 report on file.
