For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 2000032 |
| Date Issued: | Mar 12, 2020 - 3:04pm |
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Sheriff Balaam urges residents to reduce visits to Sheriff's Office when possible |
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| CONTACT: | Bob Harmon Washoe County Sheriff's Office Office 775-785-6235 Cell 775-722-5517 |
Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam and staff continue to monitor developments and concerns related to COVID-19.
While precautions have been implemented within the Sheriff's Office (see press release: Sheriff Balaam says coronavirus plan in place at the Sheriff's Office Detention Facility dated 3/11/2020) Sheriff Balaam is also asking the public to take additional, preventative steps to help reduce the impact of the coronavirus on the Washoe County community.
While all law enforcement and patrol operations will continue as normal, the public is encouraged to undertake any business they may have with the Sheriff's Office remotely whenever possible. This includes taking advantage of online reporting through washoesheriff.com and making crime reports or conducting other business over the phone if feasible to avoid having to come to the Sheriff's Office in person.
The Sheriff is also encouraging that visits to inmates in the Sheriff's detention facility be conducted remotely, using iWebVisit.com, if possible.
Additional steps undertaken by the Sheriff's Office to help reduce the impact of COVID-19 include:
- All ride-alongs with patrol deputies and Sheriff's Office tours have been suspended until further notice.
- Participation by Sheriff's Office personnel in non-essential community events has been suspended through April 2020.
- The 2020 Regional Citizens' Police Academy scheduled to start on March 17 has been postponed until further notice.
- "Coffee with a Cop," scheduled for March 25 has also been cancelled.
Sheriff Balaam appreciates the public's patience during this time and will continue to provide updates based on future developments.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.