Evers orders review, updating of Wisconsin state law agencies’ use-of-force policies

MADISON, Wis. (WKBT) — Gov. Tony Evers issued an executive order Wednesday directing all state-managed law enforcement units to review and update their use-of-force policies.
Affected agencies include the Department of Natural Resources Division of Public Safety and Resource Protection, the Wisconsin State Capitol Police and the Wisconsin State Patrol, according to a news release.
The executive order comes the day after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murder and manslaughter in a use-of-force case in which he killed George Floyd.
“We’re getting to work here on the state level to make sure we’re leading by example and setting the bar in Wisconsin,” Evers said.
“Wisconsinites across our state are demanding action and meaningful, systemic change — this is a critically important step, but it can’t be the last,” he said.
The Badger Bounceback agenda includes several proposed measures intended to ensure policing accountability and transparency, the governor said, adding, “I am hopeful these provisions will receive bipartisan support so we can continue the important work of keeping our promises of a more just, more fair, and more equitable state.”
Evers issued the executive order as the Legislature’s powerful Joint Finance Committee prepares to review his 2021-23 biennial budget proposal.
In August, Evers called the Legislature into a special session on policing accountability and transparency. After the Republican-controlled Legislature gaveled out of the session without taking action, the Democratic governor decided to include the proposals in his 2021-23 biennial budget.

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