City adopts resolution giving police authority to issue summons

Published 10:31 am Saturday, March 28, 2020

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Mayor issues health directive, closing all parks at 5 p.m. today

The Atmore City Council Saturday morning adopted a resolution giving city police officers the authorization to issue a summons and complaint in lieu of a custodial arrest during a special called meeting.

The special-called meeting was conducted via conference call this morning. Councilmembers Chris Harrison, Jerome Webster, Susan Smith and Webb Nall were present for the meeting. Mayor Jim Staff presided.

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The resolution, No. 2020-08, says “all law enforcement officers of the city of Atmore are hereby authorized to issue a summons and complaint lieu of a custodial arrest for any violation or misdemeanor other than those specifically outlined in the state of Alabama proclamation by the governor dated March 26, 2020.” The proclamation issued by Gov. Kay Ivey is attached to the resolution the council passed Saturday.

Staff said the resolution gives police officers the authority to issue a summons and keeps people out of the jail to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Additionally, Staff issued a health directive, which closes all parks at 5 p.m. today.

According to the directive, all entertainment venues, athletic facilities and activities, close contact service providers and retail stores as defined in the statewide order closing certain non essential businesses, should close to non employeees effective at 5 p.m.

“With respect to city-owned facilities, outdoor basketball courts are defined as a sports activity that involves interaction with another person of closer than 6 feet, and requires shared sporting apparatus and equipment,” Staff said.

Staff ordered that all basketball goals at Houston Avery, at the YMCA and the West Side Park be taken down.

Additionally, the order includes that citizens are ordered to no allow children to play on public playground equipment due to the potential of children catching or spreading COVID-19, all required by the state health officer (Dr. Scott Harris).