GPD, YCSO to enforce shelter-in-place restrictions

There is a shelter-in-place order in effect for Young County and Graham that began on March 31 at 11:59 p.m., each with enforceable restrictions on travel and activities.

With two orders in place, there has been discussion between the Graham Police Department and the Young County Sheriff’s Office as to enforcement of the orders. Both the city and county orders state that, if this order is not followed, there is a maximum fine of $1,000 or up to 180 days in jail.

At the emergency meeting on March 31, there was discussion about how the fine or punishment would be carried out, seeming that the courthouse is closed and all court dates have been pushed back, and how, as a county, they would enforce this order.

According to Young County Judge John Bullock, Sheriff Travis Babcock and Attorney Chris Baran discussed the fact that any violation of this order could result in a Class B misdemeanor.

“The question isn’t how much it is (the fine), the question is the designation of the charge,” Baran said. “If you get arrested for it and it’s $1 it’s still a Class B, which is going to be under John Charles (Bullock).”

According to the discussion, it would be up to the officer to assess the fine and would set an appearance date once the courthouse opens back up.

Graham Police Chief Brent Bullock stated on Facebook that his officers will begin using common sense to assess tickets and fines.

“Please be assured that the Graham Police Department and the City of Graham will take a commonsense approach to the enforcement of this ordinance, keeping in mind the rights and privileges given to each citizen,” Bullock wrote on Facebook. “For the ultimate protection of the citizens we serve, our goal is cooperation through education of what the ordinance states, not compliance through enforcement.”

One of the things that was brought up, that is not in either order, is the need for a letter from a company stating a job is essential. Sheriff Babcock said that the Young County order does not state a letter from an employer is needed, but said that some companies are already producing them for their employees.

Chief Bullock said according to the city order, employers letters do not need to be carried. He said that the city and the department are here to serve, not to take away rights.

“The ordinance that went into effect was put in place to protect the citizens of Graham, Texas, not take away rights or privileges. Due to the uncertainty of what we are facing, people who are in trusted positions decided to protect our community, not bring harm,” Bullock wrote. “There would be no reason to have a constitution or rights of the people if we are all sick or even after some of us have died. The intent of the ordinance is to protect our citizens so we can continue to enjoy our freedoms and rights after this sickness has passed.”

Both Sheriff Babcock and Chief Bullock said that these are unprecedented times and are doing their best to make sure the community and county stays safe.

“During these times, we would ask people to take a moment, be patient, and take the time to encourage and support one another,” Bullock wrote.