A Florida sheriff has banned officers from wearing masks to work – with “clear communication” in the midst of anti-cop sentiment – because coronavirus deaths are in the state, according to a report Wednesday.
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods on Tuesday issued an order instructing all his deputies to remove face mask in the lobby of the police station and in most other cases on the job, the Washington Post reported.
“In light of the current events when it comes to the sentiment and / or hatred against legislation in our country today, this is done to ensure that there is clear communication and for the identification purposes of every individual who runs a lobby,” Woods wrote in an email to officials, outlining the new rule.
If someone challenges a deputy about not wearing a mask, officials may “politely and professionally tell me that I am not required to wear a mask, nor will I, according to the Sheriff’s Order,” he wrote.
The top cop added, “This is not a debate anymore and is not up for discussion.”
The ban – which came when Florida recorded a record number of coronavirus deaths on Tuesday – also required visitors to remove masks before entering the building. It makes an exception for officers in high-risk situations, such as during hospital visits or when dealing with people who are likely to be infected.
Deputies can still wear masks in areas such as the courthouse and jail, where infection numbers have recently spiked, but must remove protective protective equipment immediately after visiting the sites, Woods said.
‘We can debate all day long and argue about why and why not. The fact is, the amount of professionals that gives the reason why we should, I can find the exact same number of professionals who say why we should not, “Woods wrote in the email, which was first reported by by Ocala Star-Banner.
He claimed that a mask-free environment has so far not led to a spike in infections in his 900-person ward, adding, “Since the beginning of this pandemic, the operation of this office has not changed and no mask wear has been in place. to put.”
Cops nationwide have been criticized for inconsistent use of masks, and some departments allow exemptions for incidents where masks can obstruct police officers in the line of duty.
But Woods is one of the first lawmakers to ban his officers from wearing masks, even as the Ocala City Council – which represents the province’s largest city – passed a mask order last week. .
In New York City, police are required to wear face masks on the job.
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