Plan to violate the stay-at-home order? Here’s what Illinois State Police will do

For Illinoisans wondering how the shelter-in-place order from Gov. J.B. Pritzker will be enforced, the Illinois State Police on Tuesday announced potential violators can face a six-step process with a criminal charge being the final step.

Here are the steps law-enforcement officers can take, according to the Illinois State Police:

▪ Education about the order

▪ Verbal or written notice to comply

▪ Possible sanction from regulatory authorities that may oversee non-essential activity

▪ Civil liability

▪ Court ordered closure or quarantine

▪ Criminal charges

“Just help save lives and do everyone a solid -- stay at home,” the agency said in a Facebook post.

“Illinois State Police will work with local law enforcement to enforce this order but adhering to the order will save lives and it is the responsibility of every Illinoisan to do their part.”

Here are examples the department released:

“Law enforcement is more likely to intervene if they witness or receive reports of:

• Crowds of people gathering, especially if packed closely together or not social distancing.

• Flagrant violation – such as a bar or restaurant having a room full of customers eating in, or a movie theater continuing to operate.

• Employees being asked to report to work in-person where the business is not supposed to be open or appropriate social distancing precautions are not taking place.”

How to contact the BND with tips, concerns

If you have suggestions about something for the BND to cover regarding the coronavirus pandemic or if you see a report that sounds suspicious on social media or anywhere else, please drop us a note at newsroom@bnd.com and include a link. We’ll check it out.

Mike Koziatek

Belleville News-Democrat

Mike Koziatek is a former journalist for the Belleville News-Democrat