Editor's note: The following releases were submitted to MSC News by Brown County Sheriff John Merchant and Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.

I would like to inform the public about protocol and procedures  that will
be effective immediately for the Brown County Jail.   This is for the
safety and health concerns of all  involved as well offering some other
beneficial information.

Many hours have been spent keeping abreast of the current health situation
nationwide, speaking and meeting  with  state and local health  care
professionals and other correctional facilities. I have  to make sure we
are making the wisest choices for the public, staff and inmates.   The
current health situation in our nation changes almost hourly but we have to
make decisions based on what will be best for our county as a whole.

Measures are already in place for dispatch, jail and deputy  protocol for
the continued long-term operation of the sheriff's office.  Staff have been
advised and updated on what steps are needed to  keep themselves  as
healthy as possible during this ordeal and provided with the most recent
information as it comes in.

Effective immediately we are restricting visitation of inmates in the jail
as well as any other outside programs not law enforcement related or
required by the state.      This is to limit any potential exposure to
staff and inmates.  Inmates have the ability to use video visitation with
family members via a kiosk in each dayroom.    It is monitored and provides
an alternative to in person visitations and most jails already have this
option in place for visitations. Attorneys have the ability to see their
clients in the jail setting as always. We are working with our health care
provider on new inmate screening  procedures.

Authorized personnel only are allowed  to be in the control room or
dispatch center. This is limited to Jail/dispatch personnel on official
duty and Sheriff/Undersheriff until further notice.

The lobby of the Sheriff's office will remain open as usual for VINS, make
reports, obtain copies of reports, conceal carry applications or anything
you may feel is important.

I want to reassure  the public that deputies will still be on patrol as
usual, making traffic stops, serving papers, investigating criminal
activity, and providing all the services you have come to  expect from us.
We have provided some additional requirements  for deputies for their
health and safety. As always, if you feel you need to report
something--call us.

I urge anyone with questions or concern about the current COVID 19
situation to go on the KDHE website at www.kdheks.gov for the most up to
date information.  If you have recently traveled outside our area, please
contact our local Health Department at 785-742-2505.  They have done an
excellent job in keeping up to date with this situation.  We are very
fortunate to  have some of the most caring, hard-working health care
professionals around. There has been a lot of information sharing and
gathering all  behalf of the health of our county residents.   With this
latest concern with the COVID 19 virus, they have worked exhaustively with
many agencies to ensure our safety.  Through their diligence and everyone
working together we can get through this.  Please do not panic, we have a
very capable group of people  in our county to take care of us.

I feel I have to address the issues of hoarding and panic that has swept
not only our area, but throughout the nation.  This is a serious situation
but if we all work together and keep from over-reacting,  I know we will
all get through this.    This virus is so new and unique, not all factors
are known, but what is a constant is that it does affect people
differently.  One person may not have any signs of illness but could spread
the virus unintentionally, so please keep informed of requirements and
suggestions made by KDHE and our local health department--AND FOLLOW THOSE
RECOMMENDATIONS!

 Everyone needs to remember,  impulse buying and hoarding directly affects
others. If you are buying in quantity to deprive or to resell to others,
this is an illegal act.     No one needs to excessively purchase items that
are critically needed by others such as sanitizers, disinfectants, food and
many other items.  Remember, if people are not able to get these items due
to unnecessary hoarding, they could be susceptible to the virus due to lack
of ability to protect themselves. We also need to look after our friends
and neighbors who are elderly or physically unable to get supplies for
themselves.  Check in on them and help out where you can, we have to work
together and we will get through this.

I know this is a lot to get through, but if you have any questions or
concerns, please contact me at 785-742-7125

John