Milwaukee private security law reinstated; temporary ruling
MILWAUKEE - Bouncers, ID checkers and gas station attendants in Milwaukee are once again required to get a private security license -- at least for now.
Judge Brittany Grayson declined Monday, May 13 to keep Milwaukee's new private security ordinance from taking effect while a lawsuit progresses.
The new ordinance was inspired by the death of Isaiah Allen, shot and killed in August 2023 for shoplifting snack cakes at Teutonia Food & Gas. The man who shot him, William Pinkin, is facing homicide charges.
"I can’t sleep at night until I get justice for my brother," said Paris Alley, sister of Isaiah.
Pinkin was working as armed security at the gas station without a state security permit. He had just been released from prison four months earlier for a 1989 homicide.
"Out of this tragedy, this legislation was born," said Milwaukee Alderwoman Andrea Pratt.
Pratt drafted the new ordinance which requires anyone who does security for a licensed business to have a city security license, which includes a criminal background check. But almost immediately…
"The alders who put this law together had great intentions," said Emil Ovbiagele, attorney for plaintiffs.
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Ovbiagele said state law already regulates private security – and the new city ordinance could prevent convicted felons from getting a job.
"You have a law that discounts at least one out of every four black and brown persons in the City of Milwaukee," Obviagele said.
The law's supporters say current law leaves a regulatory gap that allows businesses to hit "just anyone" for security – which puts the public at risk.
"Something needs to be done. These are armed folks that have the ability take someone’s life and mame them," said William Sulton, attorney for the Allen family.
The owner of one private security agency said he wants better enforcement, but thinks the city legislation was rushed and is poorly written.
"I stand behind the spirit. I can’t stand behind the letter of the law, because right now it’s as clear as lake water," said Curt Bennett, Advance Private Police.
On Monday, the plaintiffs asked a Milwaukee County judge to temporarily block the new licensin requirements while the lawsuit progresses. The judge declined – meaning the ordinance is in full effect for now.
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According to the City Attorney’s office, the new ordinance will only apply when a business is up for license renewal if they represent to the city that they have security as part of their business plan. Both parties will be back in court as the lawsuit goes forward. The next appearance is Aug. 1.
