Sheriffs deputies role is education, how to keep families safe during 'Stay Home'

OKANOGAN - Okanogan County Sheriff's Office primary role in the COVID-19 “stay at home” order is to help educate people about how to comply with orders to stay at home.  I want to emphasize Enforcement means Engagement and Education. We are not being asked to detain, arrest, ticket or establish checkpoints for compliance.  Rumors of strict law enforcement or "martial law" are not true. 

• • We view our role more as one of education. Educating residents on how to keep themselves safe, how to keep their families safe and most importantly, to keep the rest of the community safe, especially our vulnerable populations.

• • We understand people need to carry out essential services such as:            

1. Safety and security
2. Food, water, shelter
3. Health and medical
4. Energy (power and fuel)
5. Communications
6. Transportation

• • Our communities have shown they understand the severity of the situation and are doing all they can already to keep themselves, their families and neighbors safe and healthy.

• • When officers and deputies encounter people not complying with an order, we will remind them, as appropriate, of the recommendation and restrictions.

• • Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office does not have a desire to make arrests or take anybody to jail for violations, or cause any other unnecessary hardships on anyone except as a last resort.

• • Rumors of individuals or businesses needing "passes" or "licenses" to conduct essential services are not true. 

Rest assured we are continuing to serve you every day and we will always enforce the laws in order to keep people safe.

For more information 509-422-7183