Wisconsin Lawmakers Push to Make Impersonating a Police Officer a Felony
MADISON, Wisconsin — State lawmakers are advancing a proposal to make impersonating a police officer a felony offense in Wisconsin, citing a string of dangerous incidents and growing concern over public safety. Currently classified as a misdemeanor, the crime could soon carry far tougher penalties.
Bill Aims to Increase Penalties for Impersonation
Under the proposed legislation, impersonating an officer would be reclassified as a Class I felony, punishable by up to 3 ½ years in jail and a $10,000 fine. At present, the maximum penalty is nine months in jail under misdemeanor law.
Supporters argue that raising the penalty is necessary to protect citizens from scams, assaults, and other crimes committed by individuals pretending to be law enforcement.
“This bill sends a powerful message that impersonating a law enforcement officer isn’t just lying,” said Jim Palmer, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association. “It’s weaponizing public trust, putting citizens at risk, undermining confidence in real officers, and enabling serious crimes.”
Incidents Prompting Legislative Action
The push for stronger laws follows several recent incidents in Wisconsin and a tragic case in neighboring Minnesota, where House Speaker Emeritus Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed by a man impersonating an officer.
Closer to home, Muskego Police Chief Stephen Westphal highlighted a case in which a man pretending to be a U.S. Border Patrol agent joined an officer at a deer crash scene involving a teenager. That case revealed gaps in Wisconsin’s laws compared to penalties for impersonating utility or public officers.
Other examples include:
- A 2018 case in Franklin involving impersonation.
- Two separate incidents in 2023 in Washington County and Sun Prairie.
- A disturbing Washington County case where a man claimed he could help a victim avoid charges in exchange for explicit photos.
Chief Westphal argued, “I would argue that anybody who is trying to impersonate an officer has nefarious intent. Why do I have to wait for them to commit the other crime to get the felony?”
Lawmakers and Police Push for Deterrence
Rep. Chuck Wichgers (R-Muskego) and law enforcement leaders say the new bill would serve as a deterrent against individuals attempting to impersonate officers for exploitation or abuse.
They contend that the current misdemeanor charge is “out of balance with the gravity of the offense” and undermines efforts to keep communities safe.
If approved, the legislation would align the punishment for impersonating law enforcement with the seriousness of the risks it creates, offering stronger protection for both citizens and legitimate officers.
With lawmakers and police leaders unified in their support, Wisconsin could soon send a clear message: misusing the badge for personal gain will carry serious consequences.
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