About FlashAlert on Twitter:
FlashAlert utilizes the free service Twitter to distribute emergency text messages. While you are welcome to register your cell phone text message address directly into the FlashAlert system, we recommend that you simply "follow" the FlashAlert account for Marion Co. Sheriff's Office by clicking on the link below and logging in to (or creating) your free Twitter account. Twitter sends messages out exceptionally fast thanks to arrangements they have made with the cell phone companies.
Click here to add Marion Co. Sheriff's Office to your Twitter account or create one.
@MCSOInTheKnow
On March 30, 2020, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office was notified that two staff members at the Marion County Jail tested positive for COVID-19. We are working closely with Marion County Health and Human Services as they conduct their case investigation.
We have a duty to protect private health information and cannot share details about the affected employees.
After learning of the positive tests at the facility, Sheriff Kast made notification to local law enforcement agencies in Marion County on March 31st. Courts operating in Marion County were notified the following day. We are continuing to encourage local law enforcement agencies to cite and release in the field and to only lodge adults at the Marion County Jail for offenses which pose a significant risk to our community.
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, our team began taking proactive measures to prepare for a situation such as this. We have acquired personal protective equipment for all staff, increased cleaning protocols, and enhanced medical screening prior to adults being brought into the facility.
We are utilizing an unused housing unit to transition adults in custody to individual cells within the next few days.
As a community, we have all been impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19. We will continue to follow the guidance given by public health officials to protect our staff, adults in our custody, and our community.