LETTER: Refusal to enforce mask order erodes public’s trust in police

To Ozaukee Press

The editorial “Let’s not pretend it is OK to act as if these are normal times,” which appeared in the Aug. 13 issue of Ozaukee Press, was spot on. Thank you so much for bringing to the attention of all of your readers that the only way to control Covid-19 and its spread is to employ, as the editorial put it, “social distancing with its auxiliary imperative of mask wearing.”

In my opinion, those not following Gov. Tony Evers’ Aug. 1 to Sept. 28 order that “face coverings are required” are only thinking of themselves and not the health and welfare of fellow residents.  

Many of us have not seen our children and grandchildren for almost six months. I have a new grandchild due in October in San Francisco. Due to my age, being a cancer survivor and having asthma, I cannot travel at this time, or probably through the remainder of 2020 and into 2021. It breaks my heart to think of not meeting my new grandchild or seeing my son until there is a vaccine—or until more people comply with mask wearing orders.

To add insult to injury, our local police and Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office are not enforcing the mask order, in spite of the fact that the order states it “is enforceable by civil forfeiture of not more than $200. Wis. Stat. 323.28.”  

Their oath of office states, “On my honor, I will never betray my badge, my integrity, my character or the public trust. I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. I will always uphold the Constitution, the community, and the agency I serve, so help me God.”

So when a state order is issued to protect the public, why do law enforcement agencies not have the responsibility to uphold this law? Their failure to do so erodes public trust in law enforcement. That trust is lacking in many communities, including Port Washington, which is one reason the BLM movement has gained strength.

Mask refusers seem to see the issue only in terms of their comfort and safety. Out of thoughtlessness or selfishness, they don’t understand that wearing a face mask can prevent the virus from spreading, not just to them but to their family members and community as well. They don’t see the benefit of doing something for the greater good, even if it is inconvenient.

This failure, on the part of citizens and law enforcement officers, seems to say that they don’t care about the welfare of others.  If this is true, then our Port Washington is not the kind, compassionate place that it was once upon a time.

Pat Morrissey
Port Washington