Oregon Governor Encourages Citizens to Inform Police About Neighbors Violating COVID-19 Guidelines

What’s the story?

• Oregon Governor Kate Brown (D) is encouraging citizens to inform law enforcement if they encounter Thanksgiving gatherings which violate the restrictions imposed as part of her “freeze” order to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the state. 
• Brown’s freeze limits social gatherings ― indoor or outdoor ― to no more than 6 people total, from no more than 2 households; caps attendance at places of worship to 25 people indoors or 50 people outdoors; and halts visits to long-term care facilities. The freeze is in effect for the entire state from November 18th through December 2nd, and for Multnomah County, which includes the city of Portland, through December 16th.
• Violators could face up to 30 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,250, or both, and Brown said the enforcement of penalties for violations has become necessary:

“For the last eight months I have been asking Oregonians to follow the letter and spirit of the law and we have not chosen to engage law enforcement. At this point in time, unfortunately, we have no other option.”

• In another press conference, Brown likened calling law enforcement on neighbors for violations COVID-19 guidelines to reporting a violation of a noise ordinance on a non-emergency line:

“This is no different than what happens if there’s a party down the street and it’s keeping everyone awake. What do neighbors do? They call law enforcement because it’s too noisy. This is just like that. It’s like a violation of a noise ordinance.”

• Law enforcement agencies have balked at the request, and several indicated they will avoid doling out punishments to the greatest extent possible. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office released a statement which said, “We recognize that we cannot arrest or enforce our way out of the pandemic, and we believe both are counterproductive to public health goals... If you find yourself at a location where you are uncomfortable with the situation, we recommend you remove yourself from that area or situation.” 
• The sheriff and district attorney of neighboring Linn County in the Willamette Valley released a joint statement which reiterated their decision from April to “not do criminal enforcement on COVID-19 measures” and added: 

“Our role in the community is not to count how many people are at a residence or how an individual business conducts its affairs. We definitely do not interfere with religious organizations. We are going to continue to educate citizens, as needed, and that is where we will stop. We trust citizens to take risk and take precautions as appropriate given their individual circumstances.”

• The Josephine County commissioners went a step further to ensure residents aren’t prosecuted for violations by adopting a non-binding resolution that persons and entities within the county may present the resolution to courts, tribunals, or administrative bodies as evidence of good faith compliance with Brown’s order.

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: Police: iStock.com / 400tmax | Brown: Oregon Department of Transportation via Wikimedia / Creative Commons)