The Santa Cruz Police Department yesterday afternoon released additional guidance of how citizens must comply with the city and county requirement for sheltering-in-place.
The Santa Cruz Police Department (SCPD) reiterates that the current Shelter at Home order is in effect. The County Health Officer issued the mandate requiring people to stay home except for essential needs. It is not a recommendation; it is a directive.
SCPD, along with all county law enforcement agencies, says it will be taking a practical approach to the enforcement of this order by focusing on education and awareness of the regulations surrounding the order to obtain voluntary compliance.
Officers will contact local businesses to give direction and anticipate voluntary compliance from community members. The order is enforceable under California Health and Safety Code 120295. Businesses that do not provide “essential” services are required to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for the safety of their workers and the public.
Santa Cruz Police Chief Andy Mills said that officers would be looking to educate people, not to make arrests. “Law enforcement is the last resort to obtain compliance; however, the public must understand the dire consequences. We intend to adhere to the goal of keeping people safe.” (Mills said)
Mills said all virus related questions should be directed to 2-1-1, or text coronavirus to 211211, or visit www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus.
Santa Cruz police are asking that the public NOT to call 9-1-1 to report potential County Order violations. Instead, call the non-emergency line 831-471-1131, Visit www.santacruzpolice.com to file a report online so that Dispatchers may continue to handle emergency calls. Anonymous callers can leave a message on the Crime Tip Line voicemail at 831-420-5995.
The full text of the police department statement is posted at KSCO.com/news.
