Sacramento police dispel rumors about enforcement amid coronavirus stay-at-home order
The Sacramento Police Department on Monday dispelled some rumors about law enforcement as residents throughout California have been ordered to stay at home to slow the coronavirus spread.
In a news release, police officials responded to questions they’ve received from residents about how police will enforce the county’s stay-at-home order to limit the number of people infected with the respiratory illness COVID-19.
Sacramento police officers will not stop people only to question them about where they’re going or the purpose of their travel, according to the department.
Police Chief Daniel Hahn said in a video released Monday that no officers in Sacramento County “are making traffic stops or stopping individuals solely for the purpose to determine if they are essential workers or if they have some sort of paperwork. Our officers are simply not doing that.”
Last week, Sacramento County formally ordered residents to remain in their homes except for essential chores; an order carries the force of law. Violating the order can be treated as a misdemeanor crime. County Health Director Peter Beilenson and other county leaders have said the intent is not to cite or arrest anyone, but to have the ability to require bars to close and restaurants to only serve take-out of delivery food.
Sacramento police officials say rumors that a curfew is in effect are false. Officials asked residents to continue complying with to guidelines established in the stay-at-home order, limit outside activities to essential business, maintain social distancing and avoid gathering in groups.
The countywide order will be in effect until April 7 unless officials announce a shortening or lengthening of the order. Sacramento Supervisor Phil Serna has said that the order reasonably balances a need to limit the COVID-19 spread with great respect for residents’ civil liberties.
Sacramento police officials also said the California National Guard will not be assisting with law enforcement functions; the National Guard was deployed to assist with humanitarian aid. Hahn said the National Guard is not in Sacramento to enforce a 24-hour curfew or set-up checkpoints. If additional COVID-19 testing sites are set up, the National Guard would assist there, as well, according to police.
Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom sent in the California National Guard to help distribute food in Sacramento County as food banks struggle to keep up with demand in their attempts to feed vulnerable residents.
Hahn said his officers have been designated to proactively check on businesses as part of their regular patrol duties. Many local businesses have closed or reduced operating hours in response to the coronavirus. Officials asked residents to report any suspicious activity by calling 911 or the Police Department’s non-emergency number at 916-808-5471.
