MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) – Manitowoc Police are trying to distance themselves from the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office following the release of part 2 of Making a Murderer, which focuses on the Steven Avery/Brendan Dassey murder case.
Manitowoc Police say they have received an influx of calls, emails, and messages after the Netflix release.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, the Police Department reiterated that the incidents occurred outside the city of Manitowoc, meaning they have no jurisdiction.
The post reads
Since the release of the Netflix Series regarding the Steven Avery cases, the City of Manitowoc is receiving phone calls, emails, Facebook posts/messages, texts, etc. mistakenly naming the City of Manitowoc (and it’s police department) as handling the Avery Cases. These cases involved the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office and occurred in their jurisdiction. They did not happen in the City of Manitowoc. However, people from around the nation and world, are likely searching the internet and lumping the city in with the county.
Anyone commenting about these cases involving Steven Avery may be directing their opinion to the wrong law enforcement agency. All of the cases referenced in the Netflix series were the jurisdiction of the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office. The incidents occurred outside of the City of Manitowoc. The Manitowoc Police Department does not have any jurisdiction outside of the City of Manitowoc. Steven Avery did not live in the City of Manitowoc.
The Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office and the Manitowoc Police Department are two separate law enforcement agencies. Also, the City of Manitowoc does not oversee the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office. Therefore, any positive or negative comments about the Netflix series directed to the City of Manitowoc concerning the Avery cases may be directed at the incorrect agency.
While the “documentary” has been produced to create an emotional response, it has not provided a balanced portrayal of Mr. Avery’s life prior to him entering prison nor the evidence from the Halbach assault and murder. I hope you will continue to review more information concerning these crimes and resist the temptation of having tunnel vision by believing the marketing of one film maker’s opinion as gospel. (See link below)
Our local City of Manitowoc Police Department strives to adapt and evolve as a professional organization while reducing crime and providing critical and protective services for everyone. We accomplish this through optimizing strong community partnerships, strategic planning, continuous training, and the most effective use of our available resources. The mission of the City of Manitowoc Police Department is: We are committed to providing excellent police service and an unrelenting pursuit of justice, while maintaining order and securing a safe environment for everyone.
Thank you for voicing your concern and for taking the time to contact us.
Sincerely,
Chief Nick Reimer
