West Allis, WI Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

No person shall loiter or prowl in a place, at a time or in a manner not usual for law abiding individuals, under circumstances that warrant alarm for the safety of persons or property in the vicinity. Among the circumstances which may be considered in determining whether such alarm is warranted is the fact that the actor takes flight upon appearance of a police or peace officer, refuses to identify himself or manifestly endeavors to conceal himself or any object. Unless flight by the actor or other circumstances makes it impracticable, a police or peace officer shall, prior to any arrest for an offense under this section, afford the actor an opportunity to dispel any alarm which would otherwise be warranted, by requesting him to identify himself and explain his presence and conduct. No person shall be convicted of an offense under this subsection if the police or peace officer did not comply with the preceding sentence, or if it appears at trial that the explanation given by the actor was true and, if believed by the police or peace officer at the time, would have dispelled the alarm. Loitering in Public Places. It shall be unlawful for any person, not in official attendance or on official business, to enter into, congregate, loiter, wander, stroll, stand or play in the following public places in the City between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and sunrise.