For Immediate Release

March 12, 2020  **UPDATED 04/02/2020**

Sheriff Duane E. Burgess, Announces Precautionary Measures In Reference To The Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Johnson County Jail is limiting access to visitors as a precautionary measure in reference to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Inmate video and remote visitation will continue as normal at this time. We will continue to allow attorneys into the facility to visit their clients. All jail programs and visits by volunteers has been suspended in an effort to prevent the COVID-19 from entering the facility. We will continue to monitor this situation and re-evaluate this restriction on March 30th, 2020 April 14, 2020.

All newly processed inmates undergo a medical screening at the time of intake. The screening includes a temperature check and health-related questions. Currently no inmates have tested positive for COVID-19. The Johnson County Jail has extensive procedures in place, including isolation and quarantine plans, should incarcerated persons test positive.

Our office has had discussions with representatives of our inmate healthcare provider, Johnson County Health Department, Johnson Memorial Hospital and the Franklin Fire Department, as well as surrounding county jails regarding concerns of COVID-19. Discussions involved jails and the possibility of inmates/staff contracting or spreading the virus. We continually strive to keep our inmates and staff healthy and safe; our goal with instituting these restrictions is to limit the opportunity for COVID-19 to enter our facility.

Non-essential office services are suspended. This includes gun permits, fingerprinting, in-person records requests, obtaining copies of reports and related activities.

You can request a copy of report by emailing the following: reports@johnsoncountysheriff.com

Essential services such as Sheriff Sales and cash bonding will continue with increased precautions including personal protective equipment (PPE) and taped lines to maintain distances.

You will see restrictions as well regarding our deputies who patrol the road. Some calls for services will be handled over the telephone such as reports. Emergency call responses will remain the same and we will still perform our public safety duties.

Our goal in limiting these services is to minimize the spread of the virus through contact and to protect members of the public and our employees.

This is a fluid situation and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office will continue to collaborate with our community partners to identify any needs or concerns related to COVID-19.

Respectfully,
Sheriff Duane E. Burgess