Green Bay Police are reviewing a video that shows an officer confronting several homeless individuals near St. John’s Park after midnight. The footage, posted online by a local user known as “Lizard King,” sparked a community discussion with more than 500 comments.

Department response

Captain Tom Denney told FOX 11 that the officer’s actions are not typical of the department. “Obviously making a PA announcement over a squad car and blipping the siren really doesn’t accomplish that,” Denney said. He explained that standard practice is a face‑to‑face conversation, allowing officers to enforce local ordinances while treating people with dignity.

Wisconsin law prohibits sleeping next to roadways, and police are tasked with enforcing that rule. However, Denney emphasized the department’s commitment to handling such situations “in a more compassionate way” and, when possible, linking individuals to resources they may need.

Partnership with local ministries

St. John’s Ministries, a nonprofit that works closely with the police on homelessness issues, praised the department’s overall partnership. Executive Director Jesse Brunette said, “The Green Bay Police Department have been incredible partners, working very closely with us. They’re in a tough position because the public wants safety in parks, and the police must balance that with respect for human dignity.”

Brunette added that the department’s collaboration helps ensure that people experiencing homelessness receive appropriate assistance rather than simply being moved.

Steps being taken

Police have identified the officer in the video and spoken with his supervisor. The supervisor is emphasizing that the incident does not represent how the department handles similar encounters. Denney concluded, “We can do better and we need to do better than that. We’ll correct that. We employ human beings and, by and large, I think they do an incredible job, but from time to time there are opportunities for improvement. I think that’s what we have here.”

The review is part of an ongoing effort by the Green Bay Police Department to improve community relations and ensure that enforcement actions are both lawful and compassionate. For the past month, FOX 11 has been covering the city’s homeless population and the various solutions being discussed, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts between law enforcement and local service providers.

Original reporting: FOX 11 WLUK Green Bay (local) — read the source article.