Emergency health rules have force of law

The Dothan Police Department’s Patrol Division has responded to a number of party complaints over the weekend which violate the rules regarding gatherings promulgated by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) in the past week.

All non-work-related gatherings of 25 or more persons, or non-work-related gatherings of any size that cannot maintain a consistent six-foot distance between persons, are prohibited.
State Health Officer Order as Amended

These responses not only divert resources from our regular duties, but they put both the participants of the gatherings and the law enforcement officers and their families at risk of contracting coronavirus via a completely preventable route of infection.

We want to remind everyone that our community is under orders from the ADPH to refrain from participating in non-work related gatherings of 25 or more people in order to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

These rules have the effect of state law under Title 22-2-14 of the Code of Alabama 1975. The Dothan Police Department will enforce these rules as they are promulgated by ADPH.

Any person who knowingly violates or fails or refuses to obey or comply with any rule or regulation adopted and promulgated by the State Board of Health of this state shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not less than $25.00 nor more than $500.00 and, if the violation or failure or refusal to obey or comply with such rule or regulation is a continuing one, each day’s violation, or failure or refusal shall constitute a separate offense and shall be punished accordingly.
§ 22-2-14 Code of Alabama, 1975

Your cooperation is appreciated in this matter.

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