Local Police Departments Weigh In On Enforcement Of Mask Ordinances

As more mask mandates around Green Country take effect, News On 6 checked in with police on how they enforce.

Muskogee, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, Tahlequah, Tulsa and Jenks police said they have not written any citations. Each city has different protocols, depending on its ordinance.

It's been one month since Sapulpa City Councilors passed the city's mask ordinance. Capt. Troy Foreman with Sapulpa police said people are either masking up or going elsewhere.

"We will talk to that individual, try to educate them and also explain to them that we do have a mask mandate and that they either need to comply with that or they will have to leave the business," said Foreman.

The Jenks City Council also approved a mask ordinance in November.

A city spokesperson said the Jenks Police Department's "main goal is to never punish or cite anyone or any business. Their first step is always to have a discussion with the citizen(s) or businesses regarding the Jenks Mask Ordinance.

In Tahlequah, police chief Nate King said his department has been getting fewer complaints about people not wearing masks after the city passed a mandate in August.

"Do I like wearing a mask every time I get out of my truck and enter a store? No, but I do that out of respect for other people and because it's the law, whether you agree with it or not," said King. 

As for Tulsa, police said because of the way the ordinance is written, officers do not handle mask ordinance issues.

Instead, complaints go to the Tulsa Health Department, which then could lead to an inspection or warning.