Traverse City Advances Prowling, Trespassing Ordinances

Traverse City commissioners advanced proposed prowling and park-trespassing ordinances after a contentious public debate over safety concerns, including the reported assault of a sailing-program staff member at Hull Park. The prowling measure would prohibit knowingly lurking or moving stealthily on another person’s property after dark without permission; police would generally have to let a suspected person explain their presence, and violations could bring up to 93 days in jail and a $500 fine. The park provision would allow police to direct people violating city rules to leave a park for three days, with refusal potentially leading to a trespassing charge or arrest. City officials say the measures address concerning behavior regardless of housing status and are not intended to criminalize homelessness, while critics warn the language is vague and could disproportionately target unhoused people; the police chief also acknowledged continuing ACLU concerns. The commission is expected to hold a final enactment vote on October 19.