Sheriff’s Office adjusts protocols to prevent spread of virus

CRISP COUNTY, Ga. – As more information funnels in about COVID-19, the more local, essential organizations are adjusting their protocol to protect their workers and the people they serve. The Crisp County Sheriff’s Office is trying to stay ahead of the curve.

Tents outside of the detention center greet incoming inmates.

Hand sanitizer and hand washing stations greet incoming personnel. 

And masked deputies greet residents that they may come in contact with.

The Crisp County sheriff’s office may appear different, but their services are the same and their personnel are as important as ever.

“We’re going to require detention officers to work; 911 operators; we need those deputies patrol the streets; answering calls, and we need emergency management here and the only way to do that is to make sure everybody is as healthy as possible, our businesses are all essential,” says Haley Wade, Crisp County Sheriff’s Office’s public information officer.

The sheriff’s office has utilized every CDC recommended precaution they possible can so that their vital services could safely continue during this pandemic.

“The screening tent outside of the detention center is for inmates, they’re screened and asked questionnaires before they’re allowed to enter our facility as well as the deputies transporting them. We are being extremely cautious about what enters this facility.”

And their precautions have been effective so far. Not a single inmate has a confirmed case of the virus. 

9-1-1 operators are also doing screening of their own.

“When you call 9-1-1 and you have an emergency, you may be asked a questionnaire depending on what you relay to those operator.”

As a result, responders have a better idea of what they can expect when called to action and guard themselves accordingly.

“They have PPE kits in each patrol car,” which Wade says consists of gloves, masks and hand sanitizer.

The invisible virus affects the world, but wade says this small community has overwhelmed the department with support despite the pandemic.

“We are all working together. There have been so many acts of kindness demonstrated and it shows how a community comes together in a time of need.”

You can keep up with the sheriff’s office on COVID-19 related updates by following their Facebook page.