PAW PAW, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Deptartment issued a statement Saturday stating that it would not be investigating any violations of executive orders from Governor Gretchen Whitmer during the pandemic.
The release stated that the department would continue to look into violations of the law, but that executive order violations would be referred to the state Attorney General’s office or the State Police.
The announcement follows the executive order issued Friday that requires the wearing of a mask and businesses mandated to enforce it.
The full statement reads:
“In response to the Michigan Governor’s 147 th executive order of 2020, the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office will not be investigating violations of this order or the previous orders. Furthermore, the Sheriff’s Office recommends following the guidelines set forth by the CDC. Those guidelines include wearing a cloth face covering in public settings, socially distancing, and frequent handwashing.
The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office will investigate any violation of the Michigan Compiled Laws to safeguard the citizens of Van Buren County. We hold true to the oath of the office of the Sheriff. Violations of the Michigan Governor’s order should be referred to the Office of Michigan Attorney General or the Michigan State Police.
The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office will strive to protect its citizens and ensure that the constitutional rights and civil liberties given to every American are protected. We will dedicate our services to investigating crimes against persons and property and we will not pull valuable resources away from that to investigate complaints against the Governor’s Executive Orders.”
