Local News

Some local sheriffs do not plan to enforce statewide mask order

As the statewide mask order goes into effect on Friday, a number of county sheriffs across the state have said that they will not be enforcing the Governor's order.

Posted 2020-06-26T16:05:43+00:00 - Updated 2020-06-29T13:25:51+00:00

Some sheriffs say they won't enforce new statewide mask order

Gilbert Baez

, WRAL Fayetteville reporter

As the statewide mask order goes into effect on Friday, a number of county sheriffs across the state have said that they will not be enforcing the Governor's order.

Under the order, businesses and customers can be cited for non-compliance.

Law enforcement has the authority to utilize trespassing laws to help enforce the order.

The city of Raleigh began a mask order on June 19, a full week before the statewide order takes effect. Mayor Mary Ann Baldwin expressed support for a statewide order at the time.

But even though law enforcement has the option to enforce the orders does not mean that they will.

A number of county sheriffs have told WRAL News or made public statements declaring that they will not be doing so for numerous reasons.

I want to make it crystal clear that the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office will NOT attempt to enforce the Governor’s order to wear a mask in public places," wrote Duplin County Sheriff Blake Wallace in a Facebook post. "I do not believe the order is enforceable nor constitutionally sound."

The following county sheriff's offices say they will not be enforcing the mask order: