The city of Lansing is giving police officers the option of issuing fines to people who violate public health orders meant to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The emergency order by the Lansing City Council allows Lansing police to enforce public health rules issued by state and local officials with a fine of up to $500 dollars.
In Michigan, those who disobey public health orders can already be charged with a misdemeanor punishable by six months in jail or a $200 fine.
Peter Spadafore, heads the Lansing City Council. He says the order is meant to provide due process for those who violate the orders.
“We don’t want to necessarily give folks criminal records for some of the things unless it's obvious its willful and malicious disregard for those orders,” said Spadafore.
A similar order is in place in East Lansing. Since its passing two weeks ago, 11 people have been issued citations.