By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• A Wisconsin police department updated its policy requiring plainclothes officers to display badges and unmarked cruisers to show placards during certain enforcement actions.
• The policy aims to improve officer identification and transparency during traffic stops and other contacts.
• Officers in plainclothes must wear clearly visible badges on the outside of their garments.
• Unmarked vehicles used during traffic enforcement must prominently display placards indicating law enforcement status when initiating stops.
MILWAUKEE, WI — A Wisconsin police department has implemented a revised policy requiring plainclothes officers to wear recognizable badges and unmarked law enforcement vehicles to display placards when engaging in traffic stops or similar enforcement actions, officials said.
Under the updated guidelines, officers not in uniform must wear an externally visible badge on their outer clothing to clearly identify themselves as law enforcement to members of the public they contact.
In addition, the policy requires unmarked vehicles used in traffic enforcement or similar stops to display a law enforcement placard in a manner visible to drivers before the stop is initiated.
Department leaders said the changes are intended to enhance transparency and reduce potential confusion among the public during law enforcement interactions, particularly when officers are not in traditional uniforms.
Officials did not immediately provide specific rollout timelines but noted that training and implementation guidance will be shared internally with personnel.