Brenham, TX

The Brenham Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff's Office have received many calls recently regarding Governor Abbott’s Executive Order # 29. Both departments would like to notify citizens, business owners, and visitors of their position regarding Executive Order# 29.

When coming in contact with the public who are not wearing masks as required under the Governor’s order, members of the Brenham Police Department or the Washington County Sheriff's Office will not cite, detain, or arrest any person for a violation of this executive order. In cases where violators may allege they experience breathing difficulties, claustrophobia, etc. while wearing masks, officers and deputies are not medically qualified to dispute such claims. Brenham Police Officers and Deputy Sheriff’s will first attempt to de-escalate any quarrelsome situations, inform, and educate members of the public of the Governor’s Executive Order. The Brenham Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff's Office encourage our citizens to wear masks for the protection of everyone because the overall health and safety of our citizens, our visitors, and the staff of both our department are vitally important. The Brenham Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff's Office are requiring officers and deputies to wear facial coverings when dealing with the public to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Officers and deputies will continuously try to educate the public on the Governor’s Executive Order# 29 when dealing with our citizens. Officers and deputies will enforce state trespassing laws (Texas Penal Code 30.05) and remove violators at the request of a business establishment or other property owner or address other violations as they may occur. Officers and deputies will continue to enforce state laws, city and county ordinances to promote the safety, security, and well-being of residents, businesses, and visitors. Chief Parker and Sheriff Hanak ask for the cooperation, patience, and understanding from all our citizens and we all hope and pray this pandemic will soon be a thing of the past.

If you have any questions regarding this matter you may contact the Brenham Police Department at 979-337-7337 or the Washington County Sheriff's Office at 979-277-6251.

Respectfully,
Chief Ron Parker
Sheriff Otto H. Hanak