Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office releases COVID-19 response plan

CHARLESTON, Mo. — Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office has released its response plan to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“As we are all aware, concerns over COVID-19 continue to grow across the state of Missouri,” Sheriff Britton H. Ferrell said Thursday. “To be clear there are no known active cases in Mississippi county at this time. All efforts currently are proactive and preemptive out of caution.”

Accordingly, the sheriff’s office is implementing and modifying some of its operational procedures.

In regard to public safety, the Sheriff’s Office Deputy Division will maintain services by answering calls.

“If you call, we will be there,” Ferrell said. “This is our job, and this is what you elected us and pay us to do. The Deputies understand and accept the risk of public service when we take our oath. Having said this, let’s be smart about it.”

The sheriff’s office is asking the citizens who call for a non-emergency service to also indicate if anybody in the home has symptoms of a fever, coughing, has recently had the flu, or if they or somebody in their family has been tested for COVID-19.

With public safety, the Sheriff’s Office will still be functioning for the public with regard to conceal carry permits (CCW), sex offender registry, any other services they would normally come into the office for and talk to the office administrator.

To practice social distancing best practices, visitors are asked to use the sliding service window at the front of the office and refrain from coming into the office. This window will be used to pass items through and communicate through without exposing both people to prolonged contact, the sheriff said.

“As a matter of caution and common sense, all we ask is that you call ahead so we can make arrangements to serve you the best we can and also indicate if anybody in the home has symptoms of a fever, coughing, has recently had the flu, or if you or somebody in your family has been tested for COVID-19,” Ferrell said. “We ask the public to be vigilant and diligent with your personal hygiene and make sure to maintain safe practices of washing your hands, avoid touching your face, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.”

The Detention Center operates in a semi-closed environment with limited interaction and access from the public.

“It will be business as usual until we feel it is necessary to modify,” Ferrell said. “The sheriff’s office asks other law enforcement agencies to be proactive in screening arrestees or facility transfers for symptoms prior to bringing them to our facility.”

The sheriff’s office still reserves the right to refuse prisoners based on medically fit for confinement, he said.

“There is and will continue to be a medical screening process at intake,” Ferrell said. “We request officers and agencies use their best judgment and safe practices in determining consideration for confinement.”

This does not, however, mean that an individual cannot be incarcerated for committing a crime, he said.

“If an individual is arrested and does need medical attention, it will be at their own monetary expense, not the taxpayers,” Ferrell said. “If an inmate needs to speak with an attorney, the attorney/client room is still available. However, as situations change with the virus, the sheriff’s office will work with attorneys to accommodate and facilitate the best actions for their clients.”

Communication is key, the sheriff said. It is important individuals know what to do if they think they have symptoms and or they may have been exposed to someone who is exhibiting symptoms, he said.When in doubt, they should call their doctor or contact the Mississippi County Health Department for further information at 573-683-2191.

“I want to emphasize we are all in this together,” Ferrell said. “It takes all of us on a local level along with neighbors, families and fellow citizens to use common sense and be responsible to work through these tough times and protect the health and safety of all of us here in Mississippi County. As the governor, President and other health officials have requested, please stay at home if possible.”

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) activated a statewide public hotline for citizens or providers looking for guidance. The hotline is available 24/7 and the number is 877-435-8411. Also, vsit the CDC website www.CDC.gov for more info.