Governor Brian Kemp on Friday enlisted the state’s sheriffs to help aid enforcement of his shelter in place directive.
Sheriffs were, in effect, deputized by Kemp to take action against establishments, corporations and non-profits who defy the governor’s executive order enacted to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
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Police reluctant to enforce social distancing edicts
Sheriffs aren’t the only law enforcement officials who can enforce shelter in place rules, Kemp’s order states. But the authority to shut down a business for non-compliance is, according to the governor, uniquely theirs.
Friday’s order makes no mention of individuals who fail to limit social interactions. Georgians are ordered to stay inside unless they are tending to essential needs, such as grocery shopping. Exercise is allowed but people must maintain distances of six feet when outdoors.
Law enforcement officials say they are generally reluctant to question citizens engaged in otherwise legal activities, such as driving.
“To stop someone just to say, ‘hey where are you going?’ ... We don’t do that,’ ” said Lt. Stephanie Stallings, a spokeswoman with the Department of Public Safety.
“Harassing the public is not a part of this order,” she said. “We just want people to comply with it.”
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The governor’s order still gives businesses and organizations ample opportunities to comply before they are shut down.
“The sheriffs enforcing this order should take reasonable steps to provide notice and a reasonable time to allow (violators) the opportunity to comply with directions prior to mandating closure,” states the order.
Both executive orders will be in effect through April 13.
--Staff writer Alexis Stevens contributed to this report.
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