Police station lobby offers safe haven despite staff shortages

Due to staffing shortages, the Grafton Police Department is unable to keep its lobby open around-the-clock, but steps are being taken to provide a safe haven and law enforcement services even if the area isn’t staffed.

Last week, the department installed emergency door locks in the lobby vestibule that will enable visitors to lock the exterior doors. 

When a person presses an emergency button to lock the doors, an automated message will be sent to the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Dispatch Center notifying the center someone needs assistance. 

Grafton Police Chief Charles Wenten said the person who has locked the door can open the door from the inside by pushing on the exit bar. Only authorized persons are able to open the door from the outside while it is locked.  

Wenten recommends people who lock the door remain in the vestibule until emergency help arrives.

In addition to the emergency door locks, the department has installed a phone in the vestibule that connects directly to the county’s dispatch center. 

Wenten said the lobby closures will typically take place during third shift, from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Based on personnel and circumstances, the closures could extend from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

“Right now, we only have two police support specialists,” Wenten said, adding a third specialist is on family leave. 

In December, the department’s dispatching services were transferred to the county, which led to several dispatchers to take job opportunities elsewhere. 

Wenten said lobby closures occur frequently, and the department has been trying to recruit more police support specialists. 

“The Village Board has been very supportive to provide funds for these necessary upgrades,” Wenten said. “The board is conscious of this necessity and what it means to the community.”

Wenten said the location of the Grafton police station has an advantage over area departments due to its proximity to I-43. 

“We are on a major east to west highway and we are extremely visible,” he said. “People come here because they know where we are.” 

Although the lobby doesn’t receive many visitors late at night and early in the morning, Wenten said, the nature of the circumstances are usually significant if people require a safe haven. He said visitors often come at night to report road rage incidents, mental health issues, medical emergencies and domestic violence. 

“If the lobby hadn’t been there, I think things would have been different,” Wenten said.

Since the lobby closures began, Wenten said, the lobby has been used on a number of occasions but no one has locked the door because that is a new feature. 

The department is at 1981 Washington St.