The Red River Parish Police Jury has issued an Emergency Declaration for the parish. The jury met Wednesday, March 17th, in a special called meeting.
Jury Supervisor Jessie Davis explained that the declaration will allow the jury to do things to confront growing concern over the COVID-19 virus. Davis explained, “It’s technical because it allows us to make changes and effects purchasing and when we give things to other agencies.”
The Jury voted to close the courthouse to visitors. Only essential services offered by parish agencies will be conducted in person. Deputies will screen visitors to assure that their business is essential.
The police jury meeting was attended by representatives of every agency with offices in the courthouse. A few other agencies such as the Council on Aging and Library were also represented. There were many questions about how to conduct business in light of federal and state emergency proclamations. Questions such as which services agencies should continue, and which can be eliminated; how to handle citizens who just show up without an appointment; what type of business can be handled on the phone or online; and which services are essential and must be provided.
It was decided that the police jury Superintendent was to gather lists of which services each agency considers essential and will continue to offer at the courthouse. They will also provide contact phone numbers. The Sheriff’s Office will provide officers to screen people seeking to enter the courthouse to check if their business is essential or can be done by phone or internet. Visitors would be directed to call the agency they wished to see to get someone to meet and escort them to the proper office.
The police jury and all agencies are to put their requirements on their own website and social media pages. The compiled list will be posted at the courthouse entrance. It will also be published in The Journal when it is received.
There was agreement that the parish government would not shut down and that the courthouse would remain accessible to the public. However there would be a restriction that only essential services that must be done in person would be allowed.