Fort Dodge tells residents not to call 911 to report non-mask wearers after issuing mask resolution

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The city of Fort Dodge adopted a face mask resolution to “protect citizens from COVID-19.” The resolution “strongly encourages” the wearing of protective face masks.

The city acknowledges the resolution solely on its own is not enforceable by law, but notes the Fort Dodge Police Department will “take all reasonable steps to assist in the compliance of its content.”

In the guidance issued by the city of Fort Dodge, residents are told calls for service by which the sole purpose of concern stems from a passive witnessing of one or more persons in non-compliance of the mask resolution, without any other cause for concern, shall not be deemed an “emergency.” Using 911 is “not appropriate,” residents are told.

Those same calls for service will not be addressed by sending law enforcement.

Author: Jacob Hall