MPA calls for obstruction charges against hospital staff who interfere with investigations, demand officers disarm

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Police Association (MPA) is speaking out after Froedtert denied care to an officer for wearing his service weapon.

In a statement shared on social media Thursday, MPA said they've become aware of encounters where officers have received resistance from hospital staff during police investigations, by obstructing access to patients, impeding in the collection of evidence, or refusing to provide identifying information related to a crime.

They say they're calling on their colleagues in law enforcement to pursue obstruction charges against any staff who interfere with an investigation, writing in part, "We call on Froedtert- and all area health systems- to know and better understand their policies when it comes to police officers carrying their firearms. Police officers carry firearms in sensitive locations not because they want to ignore rules, but because their job requires them to be prepared for danger — even in places where danger is unexpected."

Froedtert has since apologized for denying the Milwaukee police officer care. But on Thursday, union president Alex Ayala questioned the hospital's reasoning for issuing that apology in the first place. 

"They only issue an apology after 15 legislatures sent Froedtert a letter," Ayala said. "So that's hard to take in."

CBS 58 reached out to Froedtert to get their response to the union's statement. As of Thursday night, we have not heard back.