Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

PR #: 2000034
Date Issued: Mar 16, 2020 - 4:40pm

Sheriff Balaam statement on updates to Sheriff's Office operations as a result of COVID-19

CONTACT: Mary-Sarah Kinner Government Affairs Liaison Washoe County Sheriff's Office Desk: 775-328-3006 Cell: 775-399-1759

Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam and staff continue to monitor developments and concerns related to COVID-19. Effective immediately, additional, preventative steps have been taken at the Sheriff's Office.

"I want to assure our community that law enforcement and patrol operations are continuing and will continue as normal," Sheriff Darin Balaam said. "Our number one priority is the safety and security of our employees and those we serve. I understand the measures we have instituted today will be difficult and will present challenges, but I firmly believe they are necessary to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community."

Effective immediately the Sheriff's Office has:

  • Instituted remote working for the staff positions where it is feasible and for personnel who remain at the building, actively encouraging social distancing, minimizing in-person contact and frequently sanitizing throughout the building.
  • Required that all non-professional visits with inmates in the detention facility be conducted remotely, using iWebvisit.com; guidance regarding professional visits will be forthcoming.
  • Limited front desk operations - crime reports can be filed online at WashoeSheriff.com or via telephone at (775) 328-3001.
    • All permits requests will be taken at the Sheriff's Office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    • CCW applications will be taken at the Sheriff's Office on Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Suspended all outside work crews as well as all internal programs for inmates.
  • Continued increased screening for inmates as they arrive for booking.
  • Encouraged sex offenders to contact their agency of local jurisdiction or the Sheriff's Office before coming to the Sheriff's Office.

Additionally, the Sheriff encourages citizens in need of emergency service through 911 who may be experiencing influenza-like symptoms to, when possible and when it would not immediately jeopardize the citizen's safety, inform the 911 call taker of the influenza-like symptoms.

"As the situation continues to evolve and be fluid, my office will continue to keep the public informed," Balaam concluded.


The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.

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