St. Clair Today

Portland Police Chief Star Thomas said her department is not seeing many cases of face mask noncompliance, but police will step in to help local businesses who seek their assistance if there is any disturbance related to the mask mandate.

According to a July 14 report in The Portland Beacon, Portland Police have had only one mask-compliance-related call, as of July 13, after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's new mask mandate executive order was put into place. 

“The Portland Police Department has no intention of searching for or seeking out citizens who are not being compliant with wearing a mask," Thomas told The Portland Beacon.  "We will, however, respond to businesses who call us and ask for our assistance, if a person in the place of business refuses to wear a mask and is being disruptive to the business.”  

Thomas said that the executive order requiring masks is a challenge for businesses, but when emotions run high, it makes the situation even more difficult. She urged all citizens to work together to face the pandemic. 

"There is a large burden on businesses to comply with the executive order," she told The Portland Beacon. "Businesses must refuse entry or service to those who do not wear a face covering, with limited exceptions. We'll get through this COVID thing together," she added. "Being emotional and reactive is not going to help."