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The purpose of this memo is to outline considerations with respect to law enforcement operations during this ongoing state of emergency. Although there are no known positive cases of coronavirus in Vance County, we must be proactive and take precautions now to mitigate the spread of the virus in our community.

Law enforcement, like healthcare, is going to be an essential function during the current state of emergency. In order to maintain a high level of public safety, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office will be implementing minor adjustments in our operating procedures to ensure that we can continue to provide the safety and core services to our community. 

Effective immediately, many non–violent criminal reports will only be taken by telephone. These reports include, but are not limited to: misdemeanor theft, harassing communications, lost property, identity theft, computer/phone/mail scams.

Reports can be made with a Sheriff’s Office employee during normal operating hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday) at 252–738–2200.

Our deputies were instructed to exercise discretion and avoid arrests for minor offenses that do not endanger others including property crimes. A concern for law enforcement is the spreading of Covid–19. 

Our Emergency Management Center (911) will be asking more questions in order to obtain a wide range of information from callers who will be responding to calls. This is so that our deputies can take more proactive steps, and will not affect our response to your calls for service. 

As we continue to receive information we may be asking victims to step out of their homes or businesses to conduct interviews in order to comply with social distancing to complete the call. Deputies may be seen wearing personnel protective equipment (PPE). This will not hinder the calls for service. 

As we continue to receive information from the CDC and the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association, our goal is to continue to provide the same quality of service to the citizens of Vance County. 

The front lobby of the Sheriff’s Office will only allow one person inside beginning March 23, 2020, until further notice. 

The Vance County Sheriff’s Office will continue to monitor the Vance County Jail to limit the exposure of the inmates and staff. We will be restricting visitation until further notice to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff and inmates are met at the Detention Center. 

The Vance County Sheriff’s Department will continue to do its part to serve you during these difficult times and want to assure you that that the safety of our community is our top priority.