Law Enforcement Focusing On Education, Not Arrests

In observance of the new masking order in Alabama, police have made it clear their priority is to educate citizens rather than make arrests.

Dan shaffer.

And i'm najahe sheraman.

Now that the statewide mandatory masking order is officially in effect - cities and counties are tasked with enforcing it.

Waay 31's sophia borrelli spoke to 2 agencies in sand mountain... they tell us they are focusing on education when it comes to the mandate.

Chuck phillips, jackson county sheriff: "before this came along, we didn't have enough deputies to answer the calls we were answering, so as far as answering calls, with people that are not wearing a mask, we're not going to do it."

Jackson county sheriff chuck phillips says he 's instructing his deputies to encourage people to wear a mask - but they won't arrest someone for not wearing one.

The sheriff for marshall county - phil sims - said the same.

Phil sims, marshall county sheriff: "i want to be very clear on this.

As your sheriff, this office will not be making an arrest against violators of this order."

Sheriff phillips says if an altercation happens because someone isn't wearing a mask - then law enforcement would step in.

Chuck phillips, jackson county sheriff: "they can get arrested for assault or something of that nature if that happens, but as far as putting someone in jail for the mask, it just can't happen."

Sophia looklive: : "sheriff phillips says he is encouraging people here in jackson county to follow the governor's order and he has a message for the community."

Chuck phillips, jackson county sheriff: "for two weeks, let's just try it and see.

Hopefully it works.

If it don't, we know a lot of people just aren't going to wear one and we understand that, but let's just try it.

The governor's asked us to do it, let's just try it."

In scottsboro - sophia borrelli waay 31 news.

Several law enforcement agencies told us they also plan to focus on education.

Under the governor's order - the penalties for not wearing a mask are up to a 500-dollar fine and potentially jail