Erie Police Department & Public Indoor Space Violations
Governor’s Face Coverings Order
As Colorado adjusts to the Governor’s new face coverings order (D 2020 138 July 17, 2020), Erie Police Department continues to focus on education around face coverings use. Should a complaint be received by the Police Department about a violation in a Public Indoor Space, officers will instruct individuals of their legal obligation to wear a face covering when entering or moving within a public indoor space. In particular:
- All individuals over 10 years old must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when entering or moving within any Public Indoor Space, while waiting for any taxi, bus, ride share or other mass transportation, etc.
- Exemptions apply to individuals 10 years old and younger; or individuals who cannot medically tolerate a face covering. Certain activities are exempt from the requirements of the order.
Per the Governor Polis, “Wearing a mask is an easy and highly effective way to significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19. The more we wear masks, the safer we will be and the stronger our economy will grow.”
Outdoors Spaces
The Governor’s order does not stipulate wearing a face covering in public outdoor spaces. For these instances, when face coverings are not worn and 6 feet of distancing is not achieved – a complaint may be made to the local public health department in the county in which the incident occurred. For more information, contact Boulder County at 720-776-0822 and Weld County 970-400-2111.
Indoor Spaces
Erie Police Officers are assisting public health in the enforcement of the Governor’s statewide mandate in Public Indoor Spaces. A Public Indoor Space is defined as any enclosed indoor area which is publicly or privately owned, managed, or operated to which individuals have access by right or by invitation, expressed or implied, and that is accessible to the public, serves as a place of employment or is an entity providing services. Public Indoor Space does not include a person’s residence. To report a violation regarding a Public Indoor Space call dispatch at 303-441-4444 and ask for an Erie Police Officer.
New Approach
The governor and state public health officials know masks are one of the most effective tools to limit the spread of COVID-19, and that orders are often best enforced at the local level. Executive orders have the force of law. As such, the Erie Police Department upholds the laws and will respond accordingly.
Charges
If an individual violates the term of the Governor’s Order, they will initially receive a warning with education from the Erie Police Department. If the Police Department receives another complaint, and the individual is found to be violating a second time, they may be cited for failure to obey the lawful order of a police officer (6-8-11). If a citation is issued the maximum penalty is $2,650.00 and up to 364 days in jail.
For more:
Governor’s Executive Order FAQs
Governor’s Executive Order D 2020 138
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