Coronavirus: Harford Sheriff Shuts Lobbies, Deputies Use Distance

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Lobbies are now restricted areas at the Harford County Sheriff's Office, authorities said this week, in an effort to reduce the spread of the new coronavirus. The measure applies at northern and southern precincts, headquarters and the Harford County Detention Center.

Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler is hosting a Facebook Live event Friday morning to talk about various ways the sheriff's office is working to protect the public and its members amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Watch the COVID-19 update at 11 a.m. on the Harford County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.

Officials announced Wednesday that visitors to the precincts in Harford County will need to use the call box in the vestibule to communicate with someone inside rather than going into the lobby. Those who need deputy assistance are instead encouraged to call the non-emergency number for the Harford County Sheriff's Office at 410-838-6600. In the event of an emergency, call 911.

On Main Street in Bel Air, authorities said the Family Justice Center remains open but the lobby is restricted, so visitors will need to use the intercom to go inside.

The steps announced Wednesday are the latest in a series the sheriff's office has taken since the governor began issuing orders to limit the spread of the virus around the state.

Earlier in the month, the sheriff's office suspended visitation at the Harford County Detention Center; closed community rooms at the precincts to the public; stopped community outreach programs like the Citizen's Police Academy, HOPE House, active shooter training and the PLEDGE Program; and stopped giving public tours at the precincts.

Deputies Sanitizing, Still Issuing Traffic Tickets

To keep them safe, deputies have been issued hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to use after each encounter with a civilian, according to Sgt. Lane, who said deputies would still be conducting traffic stops.

"Deputies will utilize social distancing to the extent that they can and the interaction should be brief unless your actions dictate otherwise," Lane said during "Traffic Tip Tuesday" on Facebook. "If you do get stopped for a traffic violation, you are still required to produce the requested documents and to comply with lawful orders."

Pens are not required during stops, as citations, warnings and repair orders can be processed electronically, according to Lane, who suggested ways to not get stopped in the first place: "Stay safe; slow down, wear your seat belt, put down the phone and drive sober!"