For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – On March 19, Wood County Sheriff Shawn Becker implemented measures in an effort to maintain officer and community health while the community fights the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

In alignment with recommendations and personal social distances, the department hopes to limit dangers in the area of exposure for staff and citizens by the following: All jail inmate visiting is cancelled, with inmate phone privileges expanded during this time; all public fingerprinting/DNA sample collecting is cancelled; civil process and open records requests will be handled by mail, phone, or email; all Drug takeback/drop-off at WCSD is discouraged during this time. In certain cases, a deputy can respond to a residence to collect prescription medications; all ride a longs are cancelled; all public deputy-requested community or school presentations are cancelled; all public facility tours/events/meetings are cancelled; deputies will respond to residences for Project Life Saver battery changes and maintenance needs; traffic court will not be held until June 4 – traffic Court dates from now until June 4 will be rescheduled; please avoid unnecessary visits to the Wood County Courthouse.

The sheriff’s department has also modified patrol responses to lower level priority calls to reduce deputy/citizen contacts during this virus containment time. Deputies will not respond to routine medical calls, unless life-saving measures are necessary or EMS requests us. Mailbox damage/minor damage complaints will be taken by phone. Fraud or ID theft will be taken by phone. Non-reportable accidents (under $1000 in damage) may be asked to self-report on DOT website, Citizens should also expect to meet with deputies outside of residences to maintain recommended social distancing.

When calling the dispatch center, leave a good call back number for the deputy to reach you. In addition, many cell phones block unknown or restricted calls, you will need to lift that for deputies to reach you. Please advise the dispatcher if you are not feeling well.

For more information, visit http://www.co.wood.wi.us.