Franklin, Crawford County Law Enforcement Implement Changes Due To COVID-19

Franklin County Sheriff Steven Pelton and Crawford County Sheriff Darin Layman have announced changes at the jail facilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Franklin County

According to Pelton, the following actions will be taken:

The Citizens Police Academy is postponed until this spread is contained to the point that national, state and local officials believe it is safer to be in confined social spaces again.  We are hopeful we can pick it back up this year; however, this is effective immediately.

Personal visits to inmates are suspended.  We understand that family and friends do not actually come into contact with the inmates, but this suspension will keep citizens from having to travel to the detention facility thus helping limit a gathering of people in the lobby.  To help inmates and family/friends remain in contact with each other, the Homewav kiosks in the sheriff’s office lobby will be available at no cost.  Family/friends can always use Homewav from their own electronic device for a fee and then there is no need to travel.  The video visitation will be available from 8 am to 8  pm 7 days per week.  Each inmate can have 2 video visits per week.  To establish a video visit session you create an account at Homewav.com.

Attorney, Probation and Parole officers, any outside in-custody services are being conducted through phones inside the facility with no direct contact with inmates.

Patrol deputies may be monitoring themselves and keeping increased social distances with citizens.  They are not being disrespectful; they are simply being self-aware for themselves and citizens.

"As a reminder, please do not panic and practice reasonable hygiene habits," Pelton said. "I apologize for these steps, but I feel they are appropriate precautions to keep citizens and staff as safe as possible."

Crawford County

Layman has announced the following:

The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office will suspend all visitors into the jail (except attorneys and probation/parole) and will limit interaction with all staff to ensure their well-being and that of the public. Our front office will remain open; however, our main lobby will be closed to public access. Bonds will be done in the front office by appointment only.

The application for CCW or a CCW renewal is being suspended.

Walk-in reports are suspended, you may contact dispatch at 573-775-4911 to speak with a deputy.

Deputies will still be responding to calls for emergencies. But during this time, you may receive a phone call from a deputy after contacting dispatch when you wish to report a non-emergency incident.

Essential staff will remain in place to continue to patrol our county and house our inmates. The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office prides itself on its availability and responsiveness to the community which will not be reduced during this time. Caution and preparation are our priorities, which will ensure the well-being and safety of all citizens of Crawford County.

If you know of someone in Crawford County who is elderly or a shut-in and they have been feeling ill, call us and the sheriff's office can check on them.

"While we have limited resources, we will do our very best to provide services and necessary information," Layman said. "First responders will be there for you, regardless of the situation 24 hours per day, seven days per week, 365 days per year.