The Red River Parish Police Jury voted Wednesday to reopen the courthouse.  Restrictions on the public coming to the courthouse were imposed in response to Governor John Bel Edwards’ original Stay at Home proclamation.  Now that Louisiana is moving to Phase Two of reopening, the restricted access to the Red River Courthouse is being eased.

The move by the Police Jury does not mean that the public can come and go as they please or that persons who do not have business with one agency or another can come in unannounced.

Juror William Brown made the motion to let the heads of agencies within the courthouse make the decision on access to their office and any conditions for granting access.  Brown’s motion maintains the security and health screening at the front entrance.  Those not passing the screening would be turned away.  The head of the agency that person wished to see would have the option of admitting the person or not.

There was much discussion that went into drawing up the new access plan.  Views expressed ranged from easing all restrictions to maintaining the status quo.  There was concern expressed for the health and safety of employees of the various agencies to liability concerns for lifting some restrictions that resulted in a person becoming infected.

Jury President Shawn Beard opened the discussion with the suggestion that the jury leave it up to each department head to set the requirements for their office.  There was also talk of enforcing a 6-foot social distancing, washing hands, and other safety measures.

Vice-President Ben Taylor said, “Inside the office area is an area of concern.  Let people in every department do what they feel comfortable with.”  Juror Jessie Davis said, “We don’t just let anybody come in and get a drink of water, or go to the bathroom, or visit.  We already have it in place that people who come have an appointment here.”

The jury approved the motion.  The head of each agency will publish and post their own guidelines for doing business with that office.  To wear a mask or not and the number of people who will be allowed in that office at one time will be up to the department head.

The front door screening will be maintained.  Prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus the Sheriff’ Department manned the security screenings for everyone coming to the courthouse.  They are also doing temperature checks and asking health questions.  That process will continue.  The major change at the front door is that they will no longer insist that everyone wear a mask.

These changes are effective immediately.