Michigan Attorney General praises police for help with stay-at-home order

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is praising law enforcement agencies around the state for their help responding to complaints related to the governor's "Stay Home, Stay Safe" executive order. (Jake May | MLive file photo)Jake May | MLive.com

LANSING, MI -- Law enforcement agencies around the state are being recognized for their work in ensuring compliance with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel gave “shout-outs” to a dozen police departments and sheriff’s offices Wednesday, April 1, for helping to make sure businesses and residents comply with order.

As of Wednesday, no criminal cases related to violations of the order had been filed by the attorney general’s office, according to Ryan Jarvi, a spokesperson for the office.

Whitmer ordered the state to suspend activities that are not necessary to sustain or protect life until at least April 14. The governor used emergency powers to shut down most businesses and restrict public life to slow the person-to-person spread of COVID-19, an infectious respiratory disease.

Initially, Nessel’s office was fielding complaints about violations of the order. Overwhelmed by calls, they asked people to direct complaints to local law enforcement.

“We are continuing to work with businesses and our partners in law enforcement through some of the uncertainty surrounding this unprecedented public emergency,” Nessel said in a prepared statement. “We must all work together and do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

One of a dozen departments that received direct “kudos” was the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office, where Director of Community Engagement Derrick Jackson said police are responding to complaints related to the order but no fines or citations have been given out thus far.

“We’re taking the calls and our real goal here is compliance through education,” Jackson said. “All of our business owners have been great so far.”

Within a day of Whitmer’s order being announced, Jackson said his department fielded about 17 calls. Some were complaints about businesses; others were questions from the owners themselves. But he said owners whose businesses aren’t deemed essential have largely been willing to make adjustments and shut down.

“We’re pretty fortunate when we respond to calls, people have been good partners,” he said. “There are a lot of questions. We’re trying our best to answer.”

In Novi, Chief of Police David Molloy said his office has received and responded to about 20 complaints of allegations of violations against the governor’s order. They have not handed out any citations either.

Molloy said most complaints have been about businesses that residents believed might be open when they’re not deemed essential under the governor’s order. Most of those businesses were in manufacturing, and police responded to find that they were producing parts for the defense or medical industries, which are allowed under the order.

“We also responded to a sporting goods store but they weren’t open to customers,” Molloy said. “They were just doing curbside pickup, which is OK.”

The other law enforcement agencies recognized by the attorney general’s office Tuesday were the:

  • Auburn Hills Police Department
  • Branch County Sheriff’s Office
  • Gladstone Michigan State Police Post
  • Hamtramck Police Department
  • Iron Mountain Police & Fire Services
  • Michigan Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement
  • Roscommon County Sheriff’s Department
  • St. Clair Shores Police Department
  • Troy Police Department
  • Utica Police Department

Jarvi said the agencies that were being recognized were those that reached out to the attorney general’s office for guidance after the order was announced. They have also been active in responding to complaints.

“These organizations were phenomenal in terms of their commitment to helping Michigan residents understand, adapt to and ultimately adopt the Governor’s Stay Home, Sate Safe order,” Nessel said. “We are grateful for their assistance and partnership.”

Violations of the governor’s stay-at-home order could result in a $500 fine and/or 90 days in jail.

CORONAVIRUS PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home ( door handles, faucets, countertops ) and when you go into places like stores.

Read more on MLive:

Michigan State University offers drive-thru coronavirus testing

Fitness coach turns to baking bread as coronavirus changes life ‘in almost every way’

Whitmer says those who don’t follow Michigan stay home order are ‘incredibly selfish,' risk coronavirus spread

Wednesday, April 1: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan

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