Trespassing

The Monroe Police Department enforces trespassing on business sites (only) in accordance with its municipal code and state laws (listed below). Should someone trespass on your business property, please report it to 9-1-1. 

Police response to trespass complaints on business property

Upon the initial report, the responding police officer(s) will attempt to make contact the person and will typically issue a written warning. The warning prohibits the person from returning to your property for one year without your permission. If you report the same person for a second time, the person could be cited with a misdemeanor offense. 

If an officer observes someone on private property, when the business is closed, or a problem is called in by someone who does not have the authority to sign a trespass complaint, Monroe Police Department must then contact the person who is legally responsible for the property.

Trespass Letter of Consent

As a follow up to reporting a person trespassing on your business property, you can file a Trespass Letter of Consent online  with the Monroe Police Department that gives police officers permission to enforce trespassing laws on your behalf, even if you are not there. 

Although trespass letters have no expiration date, if the status of the property changes in any way, we ask that you notify us as soon as possible and arrange for your trespass letter to be updated.

You may revoke the Trespass Letter of Consent by contacting the Monroe Police Department at police@monroewa.gov.

Post “No Trespassing” Signs

In addition to filing the trespass letter, your property must be posted with "No Trespassing" signs for immediate enforcement action.  These signs should not include any language directed at loitering as there is no law that can be enforced regarding loitering.  If there is not a "No Trespassing" sign present, the officer will issue a notice of trespass form for future enforcement.

Resources