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 through the glass barrier. All jail programs and visits by volunteers have been suspended in an effort to prevent the COVID-19 from entering the facility. We will continue to monitor this situation and reevaluate this restriction based on the newest information.
All newly processed inmates undergo a medical screening at the time of intake. The screening includes a temperature check and health-related questions. The Johnson County Jail has extensive procedures in place, including isolation and quarantine plans, should incarcerated persons test positive. All jail staff are required to wear masks at all times while in the jail and are required to wear full PPE, including gowns and gloves, when going in the isolated cell blocks with known infections. Inmates who are confirmed positive are being kept in separate blocks from those that still have results pending and those that test negative. All inmates are issued surgical masks which are being replaced if they are damaged or excessively worn. Inmates cannot be forced to wear the masks but most are cooperating.
Non-essential office services are being provided within limitations. This includes gun permits, fingerprinting, in-person records requests, obtaining copies of reports and related activities. The preferred for obtaining these services follow:
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 and state partners to identify any needs or concerns related to COVID-19.
Respectfully,
Sheriff Duane E. Burgess
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a Theft that occurred between the hours of 05:30 AM and 07:30 AM on July 30th, 2020. The Theft occurred in the area of CR 450 West and CR 100 South. The item stolen is a white 2017 Thunder Creek Equipment Fuel Trailer containing approximately 750 gallons of diesel fuel, air compressor/generator combo, cordless tools and large assorted hand tools.
Please contact Detective Joseph Schmidt at 317-346-4616 with any information about this stolen trailer.
Attention Johnson County Residents
Governor Holcomb has enacted an executive order to mandate mask wearing in public places beginning Monday, July 27, 2020. As your elected Sheriff, I want to address this executive order and my stance on it:
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office will NOT be enforcing the executive order. We will continue to enforce the law as guided by the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Indiana, and those laws which are put into place by our elected legislators, as we are sworn to do.
Please do not contact the Sheriff’s Office or dispatch regarding violations of this executive order. Instead, you may contact the Indiana State Department of Health with any concerns or complaints. If a disturbance or other issue were to develop, deputies would respond as always; however, we will not respond solely for allegations of a violation of the executive order. Please remember that any business or organization may refuse service to any individual who refuses to wear a mask. Failure to leave the business or organization when asked could be treated as Criminal Trespass, with legal ramifications.
Whether you support or oppose the Governor’s decision, I would like to encourage everyone to be respectful and tactful when addressing another person about their use of a mask. We all will get through this together!
Respectfully,
Sheriff Duane E. Burgess
