Benton Sheriff Addresses State Health Meeting set for Wed

(Kennewick, WA) -- Benton County Sheriff Tom Croskrey issued a statement Monday an upcoming meeting the Washington State Board of Health plans to hold on Wednesday. The statement follows.

As the Sheriff of Benton County, I have been receiving inquiries from those residing in Benton County regarding the upcoming State Board of Health meeting that is scheduled for January 12th. Citizens are concerned that the upcoming State Board of Health meeting is a precursor to involuntary isolation or quarantine related to COVID-19.

I have made attempts to find out exactly what the meetings will be regarding, and I have not been able to get a lot of information. For me as the Benton County Sheriff, to make a public statement regarding this meeting without full knowledge would be remiss on my part. I will be attending the meeting in order to provide additional information to all.

As your Sheriff, I am committed to protecting the constitutional rights of all who reside in Benton County. The State Health Board has no authority to force me or my designees to forcefully detain people for non-criminal matters or restrict their movement. We must be patient as we gather additional facts and as I learn more on the topic, I will provide a follow up statement.