In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and LA heat wave, law enforcement officers are choosing to educate people not abiding by social distancing measures rather than issue citations.
Across many open and unopened beach in LA and Orange County, people have gathered in an attempt to escape the heat of this past week. While citations could be issued for this behavior, authorities said Sunday that many officers are choosing to instead educate people about the rules and risks.
Citations have been issued to those who refused to leave beaches and parks.
Deputy Tracy Koerner of the Sheriff's Information Bureau says there is "definitely a threat" of citations at other closed beaches, NBC Los Angeles reports.
We would like to remind everyone that @CountyofLA beaches are still closed. Enforcement is in full effect! The closures are part of the #SaferAtHome order. Please do your part & help us out by staying home. Be patient & let's get through this #WeAreInThisTogether #flattenthecurve pic.twitter.com/QhKsNNDkZ4
— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) April 25, 2020Redondo and Hermosa Beach police have not issued any citations to beachgoers. Manhattan Beach police reported only issuing some citations in the event that the beachgoers refused to leave.
The Orange County Sheriff's Department had no reported citations.
Laguna Beach watch commander said people were overall compliant when asked to leave the beach.
