![Stearns County Sheriff’s Office Changing Operating Procedures](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2014/01/Law-Enforcement-Center.png?w=980&q=75)
Stearns County Sheriff’s Office Changing Operating Procedures
ST. CLOUD -- The Stearns County Sheriff's office has announced some changes to their operations to help limit the potential risk of exposure to and the spread of COVID-19.
Sheriff Steve Soyka says they will be canceling all outside programming and visiting hours for jail inmates, all incoming arrest will have health screenings in jail garage prior to entering facility and the possibility of initial court hearings being heard over closed circuit television. During this time, jail staff will work to enhance programming for inmates and each inmate will be provide with 20 free minutes per week of phone usage.
In regards to patrol, Soyka says they will be conducting health screenings over the phone on all medical type calls, offer the choice to talk over the phone for non-criminal complaints, and try to enacting social distancing when able.
Soyka says these new protocols will be in place for up to 30 days.
![AM 1240 WJON logo](https://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/11/attachment-wjonam-alexacard-big.jpg?w=100)
More From AM 1240 WJON
![St. Cloud Man Charged With Arson Following Apartment Fire](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-James-Lund.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Stearns County Board Approves Plan for New Justice Center](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2019/07/20190712_182139.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![One Person Hurt In 4-Vehicle Crash In Waite Park](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/06/State-Patrol-Stock-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Illegal Speed Limit Sign Replacement Sparks Investigation In Morrison County](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2024/05/attachment-Image-Credit-George-Huffman-via-Unsplash-Canva.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Stearns County Ponders Three Justice Center Scenarios](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2020/03/Stearns-Co-LEC-Doors.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Claims Clinic offered for Veterans Exposed to Toxic Substances](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/11/attachment-DSC01194.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Did You Know That Central Minnesota Has A ‘Grasshopper’ Chapel?](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2024/04/attachment-Assumption-Church.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Stearns County Could Be Adding Park Land in Paynesville](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/11/attachment-PaynesvilleTrail1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Late March Snowfall Helps Ease Drought Conditions in Central MN](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/03/attachment-3-29-2024-Drought-Monitor.jpg?w=980&q=75)