Telecommunications interruption in crisis situation

Wis. Stat. § 196.63
in effect
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(1) Interruption authority. If a sheriff, a police chief or a law enforcement officer designated by a sheriff or police chief to respond in a crisis situation has probable cause to believe that a person is holding a hostage or is resisting apprehension through the use or threatened use of force, the sheriff, police chief or law enforcement officer may order a telecommunications utility to interrupt or reroute telecommunications service to or from the suspected person for the duration of the crisis situation to prevent the person from communicating with anyone other than a person authorized by the sheriff, police chief or law enforcement officer. (2) Utility immunity. A telecommunications utility may not be held liable for any action it takes under sub. (1).
Source: WI Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/196.63Fetched: 10/7/2026