March 23, 2020

Due to the continued health concerns raised by the COVID-19 virus the Pennington County Law Enforcement Center will be taking necessary precautions.

The Pennington County Law Enforcement Center will continue to be staffed 24 hours a day. Normal law enforcement services and operations will continue to be provided. Citizens are still to call 911 for an emergency. All non-emergency calls can still be directed to 218-681-6161. The lobby of the law enforcement center will remain accessible for those who need a safe place to report an incident.

The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office and Thief River Falls Police Department are requesting any questions regarding accident reports, public data, and permit applications be directed by phone at 218-681-6161 or sent via the US Postal Service (102 1^st ST W). All nonessential paper services are suspended at this time. OFP/HRO paper services will remain in effect. Public fingerprinting has been temporarily suspended.

Permit to Carry/Permit to Purchase applications can be accessed on the Pennington Sheriff website. Permit to purchase applications can be sent via US Postal Service. Permit to Carry applications will be received by appointment only by calling Sheriff Ray Kuznia at (218) 683-7071 or Misty at (218) 683-7068.   

A listing of department contacts for the Pennington County Sheriff's Office can be found at https://www.penningtonsheriff.org and for the Thief River Falls Police Department at https://www.citytrf.net

In effort to slow the spread, the Pennington County Jail has restricted all non-essential staff from entering the facility by temporarily suspending its volunteer programs. Pennington County has also set up alternative methods for attorneys and probation agents to meet with those incarcerated. As we attempt to keep those in custody safe, a screening mechanism has also been implemented for all staff prior to the start of their shift as well as any new arrest.

Inmate Visitation--Those wishing to visit an offender may do so by going to www.inmatecanteen.com or through the lobby kiosks. Money can deposited on inmate accounts via the website as well. When visiting in the lobby, we ask that you practice social distancing and consider visiting in small numbers, not to exceed 1 to 2 people. A disinfectant agent has also been made available. Please do your part and wipe the machine down prior to use and again after use. Phone service is provided by Reliance. For more information go to www.reliancetelephone.com

Pennington County contracts its inmate medical service with MEND Correctional Healthcare. MEND, along with the MDH continue to monitor the situation.

We would like to apologize for any inconvenience that that this may cause, and we thank you for your understanding. We feel that these precautions are necessary to ensure the safety of our law enforcement staff and allow for the continued service to our community. For more information about COVID-19 and how to prevent the spread of the virus, please visit www.cdc.gov or www.health.state.mn.us.

Further updates will be posted to our website https://www.penningtonsheriff.org and Facebook pages (Pennington County Sheriff’s Office and The Thief River Falls Police Department) as they become available.

Sheriff Ray D. Kuznia                                                                                          Chief Dick Wittenberg

Pennington County Sheriff’s Office                                                                  Thief River Falls Police Department

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