The Governor’s Executive Order requiring citizens to stay at home begins tonight, March 24, at 11:59 p.m. This order remains in force until 11:59 p.m. on April 6. It can be extended or modified by the Governor at any time. This order affects all residents of the City of Frankfort and the State of Indiana. To ensure that our citizens are clear of the guidelines, the Frankfort Police Department will be using the Indiana State Police Superintendent’s memo as guidance for our officers and citizens. The travel ban exists for all non-essential business contained within Executive Order 20-08. Permitted travel includes:
-Any travel that is related to the provision of, or access to, “Essential Activities,” “Essential Governmental Functions,” Essential Businesses and Operations,” or “Minimum Basic Operations.”
-Travel to care for the elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons.
-Travel to or from educational institutions for purposes of receiving materials for distance learning, for receiving meals, and any other related services.
-Travel in order to return to a place of residence from outside the jurisdiction.
-Travel required by law enforcement or court order, including to transport children pursuant to a custody agreement
-Travel for non-residents to return to their place of residence outside of the State of Indiana.
Under Title 10, law enforcement authorities have the power to enforce any order, rule and regulation issued by the Governor. Indiana Code 10-14-3-24. A person who knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly violates this chapter, commits a B Misdemeanor.
If our officers have a reason to engage with the public, we will be reminding them to follow the travel ban if they are not engaged in permitted travel. If anyone refuses to return to home, they could be cited or arrested. Outright arrests will not be made without extraordinary circumstances.
The Frankfort Police Department will not stop individuals merely to inquire about their travel. Only after a lawful stop, due to an infraction or crime, will officers inquire as to your reason of travel. All cases will be forwarded to the Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office for review for formal charges.
Please follow the Governor’s order, help keep our police officers healthy and stay home unless you are permitted to travel.