Don’t Call 911 for Mask Violations

The Phoenix Police Department on Monday encouraged residents not to use the city’s emergency line to report individuals who are not wearing face masks in public.

In a video posted to Twitter, Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams told residents that such calls are more appropriate for the city’s public information line or the police department’s non-emergency line.

“Although we do want to stress the importance of wearing a mask — this is a critical health crisis — we would prefer you not tie up the 911 line calls for this,” Williams said.

Residents can call Phoenix’s public information line at (602) 262-3111 or the police department’s non-emergency line at (602) 262-6151.

By a 7-2 vote, the Phoenix City Council issued a declaration Friday requiring most residents within city limits to wear a face covering when in public to curb further spreading of the coronavirus.

Councilmen Jim Waring and Sal DiCiccio voted no on the new requirements that took effect Saturday at 6 a.m.

The council said enforcement would initially focus on education, but those who don’t comply could eventually be fined $250.

Before issuing a citation, police officers will issue warnings to violators.

Williams attended Friday’s Council meeting in-person and said that her officers were not going to be actively looking for residents who aren’t wearing face coverings.