The Clarendon County Sheriff's Office will continue to serve and protect the citizens of Clarendon County while mitigating the potential exposure to and transmission of the coronavirus. The purpose of this letter is to inform the public and our local law enforcement partners of the common-sense policing approach which we will observe as we monitor this public health crisis.
Our citizens should continue to call 911 for emergencies. We may attempt to respond to a non-emergency call by telephone when possible. This will not apply to any emergency calls where immediate contact may be necessary.
In adherence with recommendations from the Center for Disease Control, Clarendon County Sheriff's Office is working to reduce the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing while still maintaining service to the public. We are working to limit any unnecessary exposure, for our community members and personnel, practice social distancing, wearing masks, and ensuring that all citizens adhere to Executive Order No. 2020-42 in reference to "Mass Gatherings."
Clarendon County Sheriff's Office strongly discourages large gatherings, public social events, night club events, or events that would draw large crowds. These events will increase the chances of "Possible Exposure" and our office is doing what we can legally and lawfully to discourage such public events.
When we recieve a call, our dispatchers will be asking some additional questions. The focus of these questions will be to determine if the complainant, victim, or person at the location has traveled internationally, has had any contact with a person believed or known to have COVID-19, or has any flu-like symptoms. This will allow our first responders to properly prepare when they respond to the location. While our building will remain open and operational, we ask that you contact us by phone or email unless visiting us is necessary. In addition, in order to reduce the spread and risk of exposure, officers may ask persons to step outside of their residence or business to talk when responding to a call for service. These measures are intended to protect both community members and our staff.
We will continue to stay in touch with our citizens as well as our state and federal partners as we work through this situation and will adjust our actiona as necessary to protect our citizens and our staff. We appreciate your cooperation and support as we move forward to a return of normalcy soon.
Again, our mission has not changed. We will continue to serve and protect our citizens of Clarendon County.
