By Linda Kor With protests and riots taking place throughout the country following the death of George Floyd while in police custody, many states are implementing restrictions for gatherings including Arizona. Last Sunday, Governor Doug Ducey issued a Declaration of Emergency putting in place a curfew that begins at 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. until Monday, June 8 across the entire state unless he chooses to extend it. Local law enforcement agencies including Holbrook, Winslow and Snowflake police departments, and the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office have issued statements that these agencies will not be enforcing the curfew. In what appears to be a shared sentiment, the Holbrook Police Department statement read in part, “We feel that mutual respect exists between the Holbrook police and the citizens we serve. Enforcing an order where no demonstrated need exists will negatively affect this relationship. We as a department respect the constitutional rights of our citizens and we will not infringe upon these God given rights.” Holbrook Police Chief Nathan Christensen noted that following a meeting of local police chiefs it was clarified that position could change if local cities should go beyond peaceful protests to rioting. Apache County will also not enforce the curfew unless cause should arise. Neighboring Coconino County will be enforcing the curfew, noting that there are stipulations within the order that will allow for certain types of gatherings such as patronizing or operating a private business, and travel to and from work. There has been no reports of protests or rights in Navajo County as of press time. For those traveling out of the area, the curfew restrictions and allowances can be found at azgovernor.gov.
