KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office has opened up a phone line for violation complaints during the statewide stay-at-home order.
Complaints can now be submitted by calling the hotline at (269) 385-6101 during open hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The sheriff’s office is saying that if residents are unable to reach an operator due to high call volumes they should leave a voicemail and they will receive a response back.
Residents can also file complaints by sending an email to staysafe@kalcounty.com.
Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller previously said this week that while deputies will not be conducting traffic stops to maintain compliance with the order, detailed complaints will be investigated by law enforcement.
On Monday, March 23rd Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order requiring all state residents to stay at home during a three week period ending on April 13th to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The Michigan Attorney General’s Office has received a high amount of phone calls in recent days of violations related to the order. Attorney General Dana Nessel clarified this week that local law enforcement should be contacted for any complaints while the order is in effect.
“These are unprecedented times and my office is working with Gov. Whitmer’s office, local law enforcement agencies and other parties to ensure these executive orders are being followed,” Nessel said.
The stay-at-home order allows for Michiganders to continue to make trips considered vital to quality of life like visiting the grocery store, gas stations, and healthcare providers.
Exempted from the executive order are workers considered essential by the state to maintaining adequate supplies necessary for life and public health. Healthcare workers, food and agriculture employees, emergency responders, and other workers are allowed to continue going to work during the three week period.
Anyone seeking interpretation of an executive order should review the Frequently Asked Questions on the state’s website devoted to COVID-19. Weblinks to those pages and additional information can also be found through the Attorney General’s website.
