SULLIVAN CO., Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Sullivan County Sheriff Clark Cottom sent a message to the public regarding local law enforcement’s role during the mask mandate.
Sheriff Cottom says that Sullivan County deputies will not detain the public for not wearing a mask. He goes on to say that his staff will not issue citations or take anyone to jail for violation of the order.
Cottom asks the public not to call law enforcement if you see a violation of this order.
He also says that his staff will be wearing masks while on duty unless a situation prevents them from doing so.
He reminds the community that we will get through these trying times together.
Read Sheriff Cottom’s full message below:
To the Citizens of Sullivan County.
As you are likely aware, this week Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb signed an executive order mandating the wearing of masks in public places, beginning Monday July 27, 2020.
As your Sheriff, I have received several questions, therefore, I feel it is important to address our position concerning enforcement of this order.
Sullivan County Sheriff’s deputies will not stop or detain a citizen for not wearing a mask.
My staff will not be issuing citations, or taking anyone to jail for a violation of this order.
Our agency will not respond solely to a reported violation of this order.
Therefore, please do not call the Sheriff’s Office or 911 dispatch to report violations of this order.
As sworn officials we will uphold the Constitution of the United States and enforce the laws of the State of Indiana, which were put into place by our elected legislators.
Please know that a business or organization reserves the right to deny entry, and/ or refuse service to an individual.
Failure to leave a business or organization after being asked to do so, could be considered trespassing, creating an unwanted legal situation for yourself.
Because of the unique responsibilities inside our facility, masks are required inside the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office and Jail.
My staff and I will be wearing masks when interacting with the public, while on duty, or whenever appearing in the uniform of the department, unless safety dictates otherwise.
We too look forward to the day when life returns back to “normal“.
As a community, we will get through these trying times together.
Stay safe,
Clark Cottom
Sheriff
Sullivan County
