Kennewick police won't cite or arrest people for not wearing masks
KENNEWICK, Wash. -- Police in Kennewick issues a statement saying the statewide face covering order is a public health and safety measure, it is not a mandate for law enforcement to detain, cite or arrest violators but rather an evidence-based and safety focused directive meant to slow the spread of a potentially deadly disease.
The Kennewick Police Department will continue to communicate with and encourage all Kennewick residents and visitors to make safety-focused decisions and follow all health-based directives from the Governor as well as state and local health officials.
A statement released to Action News said, "Together, we will continue to address the very real public health threat of COVID 19, as we also work towards safely reopening our economic, social and civic systems."
Kennewick Police are working with the City Attorney’s Office and the Benton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further direction on this mandate. Police say they are hopeful residents, businesses, elected leaders, health officials, and each other do what is necessary during this unique time of shared medical and economic vulnerability to gradually return to normalcy without enforcement.
