In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, nonessential businesses are being asked to stop operating. Businesses that do not comply with the order may face consequences from local police.
According to the Battle Creek Enquirer, police in Calhoun County are being asked to be extra vigilant about enforcing closures for local businesses that do not fit into the "essential business" categorization.
Sheriff Steve Hinkley said that if businesses are found to be operating in violation of the governor’s order, police officers will address the business on a case-by-case basis.
If the business is actually in compliance with the governor’s order, the police will work to ensure that the business owners know the details of the order and how to remain in compliance.
Noncompliant businesses will be issued a cease-and-desist notice, which could escalate to a misdemeanor if the failure to comply continues. If convicted of wrongdoing, business owners could face up to 90 days in jail or a $500 fine.
“We are not going to businesses, but are responding to complaints, and every agency will handle their own calls in their jurisdiction,” Hinkley told the Battle Creek Enquirer.
Prosecutor David Gilber said that the goal of the order is not to prosecute people who slip up, but those who are in violation of the order should be prepared for the local law enforcement to correct their actions.
"People are trying to protect their business and their income and still comply with the law," Gilbert said to the Battle Creek Enquirer. "The idea isn't to punish people, but rather to have them voluntarily cooperate."
To aid the social-distancing measures that are being enacted throughout the nation, Battle Creek Police are also requesting that residents do not come into the department to report crimes but would prefer they do so over the phone or online.
According to WKZO Kalamazoo, types of incidents which might merit an in-person visit to the department are crimes that are in progress or those that include injuries.
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