Every couple of months the Brown County Sheriff’s Office submits an article to all of the newspapers in the county regarding anything new or changes that have happened and how it affects how we do business.

COVID-19

It seems like a long, long time ago when the Minnesota Governor issued the “Stay At Home” Executive Order in the middle of March of this year. Much has changed since those first few days. Currently the Governor has issued Executive Order 20-81 in which everyone in Minnesota must wear a face covering or mask at an indoor business or indoor public setting or when outdoors and it is not possible to maintain social distancing. The State of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Health are doing their part in trying to keep every Minnesotan safe.

The Brown County Sheriff’s Office encourages people to comply with this order as well as following social distancing guidelines. The overall goal of the Executive Order is to advise Minnesotans that wearing a face covering will protect them, their families and others. The goal of the Brown County Sheriff’s Office is to keep the community safe and when given the opportunity we will educate individuals. Businesses have the right to refuse service to those that are not wearing a mask and they may be asked to leave that business.

If anyone has instances to report that individuals and/or businesses/organizations are in violation of the Minnesota governor’s Executive Orders, they should contact the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office at 651-296-3353.

“Individuals are being instructed NOT to contact their local law enforcement agencies to report other individuals or businesses suspected of violating the Executive Order” per guidance that the State of Minnesota has published. (The MnDPS Guidance to Local Law Enforcement Agencies Related to the Enforcement of the Executive Order 20-81, page 2)

PERMITS TO PURCHASE and PERMITS TO CARRY

We are still processing Permits to Purchase and Permits to Carry as we have in the past. Permits to Purchase are processed by your local police chief if you live within city limits or the sheriff if you live outside of city limits. All Permits to Carry are processed by the Sheriff’s Office. A question that has been brought up that involves the requirement to wear a face covering if you have a Permits to Carry. People wearing a face covering may carry a pistol with a valid Permits to Carry in the same manner as a person who is not wearing a face covering. (The MnDPS Guidance to Local Law Enforcement Agencies Related to the Enforcement of the Executive Order 20-81, page 2)

UNITED STATES CENSUS

The census is happening now and they have been sending out information for you to complete the census by either phone, online or by mail. Census takers will be visiting homes for those that did not complete the census prior. The census affects how much funding our community receives and helps determine representation at local, state and federal levels. Make sure that you are counted.

The 12 questions on the 2020 U.S. Census are:

1. How many people were living or staying in this house, apartment, or mobile home on April 1, 2020?

2. Were there any additional people staying here on April 1, 2020, that you did not include in Question 1?

3. Is this house, apartment, or mobile home owned by you or someone in this household with a mortgage or loan (including home equity loans)? Is it owned by you or someone in this household free and clear (without a mortgage or loan)? Rented? Occupied without payment of rent?

4. What is your telephone number?

5. What is Person 1’s name?

6. What is Person 1’s sex?

7. What is Person 1’s age and what is Person 1’s date of birth?

8. Is Person 1 of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin?

9. What is Person 1’s race?

10. Print name of Person 2.

11. Does this person usually live or stay somewhere else?

12. How is this person related to Person 1?

During the 2020 U.S. Census, the Census Bureau will NEVER ask you for:

• Your Social Security number.

• Money or donations.

• Anything on behalf of a political party.

• Your bank or credit card account numbers.

If someone claiming to be from the Census Bureau contacts you via email or phone and asks you for one of these things, it’s a scam, and you should not cooperate.

On behalf of the men and women that make up the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, please be safe and enjoy the rest of your summer.