IRON MOUNTAIN — The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office, including the lobby at the correctional center, will be closed to the public until further notice in an effort to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

If you need assistance, please call the non-emergency administrative line at 906-774-6262, the correctional center at 906-774-6270 or — for emergencies only — 911.

Non-emergency reports will be taken over the phone and the office will still respond to reports that need investigation, said Sheriff Scott Rutter.

“We will also continue to respond to all emergency calls as normal,” he said.

Dispatchers who receive calls from the public where a deputy is needed to respond will ask you if you or anyone in the household are exhibiting flu-like symptoms. They will also ask about recent travels you or anyone in your household may have taken.

“This will not prevent you from receiving law enforcement services, but will help deputies better prepare to assist you while keeping themselves protected,” Rutter said.

All on-site inmate visitations have been suspended until further notice, said Lt. Jason S. Conery, jail administrator.

Visitation will be limited to off-site visits only. These visits can be scheduled through the Securus app by installing Securus Mobile on your Smartphone or go to www.securustech.net.

The correctional center will not allow any personal items to be dropped off in the office lobby until further notice. All inmate programs have been suspended, along with the sheriff’s work van.

The correctional center lobby kiosk will not be available during this period. Commissary funds can be deposited via phone or web by calling 1-866-394-0490 or by going to www.accesscorrections.com.

Inmate bonds can be paid by calling 1-888-604-7888 or visiting govpaynow.com. The correctional center also accepts Cashier Checks as bond payments. These checks can be mailed to:

Dickinson County Correctional Center, P.O. Box 609, Iron Mountain, MI 49801.

The sheriff’s office will not be processing background checks or pistol license applications until further notice. If you need a permit to purchase a firearm immediately, please make arrangements by calling 906-774-6270.

Civil process payments and request for papers to be served can be mailed to Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office – Civil Processer, P.O. Box 609, Iron Mountain, MI 49801.

Assistance on administrative requests is also available by calling 906-774-6270. Please leave a message or email with Cheryl Krasowski, cherylk@dickinsoncountymi.gov, or Sue Ellis, sellis@dickinsoncountymi.gov.

“Thank you for understanding and we are very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause the citizens of Dickinson County,” said Conery. “We believe this proactive measure is best to protect our employees, inmate population and the general public, and to keep the sheriff’s office running in a proficient manner. Sheriff Rutter and I will continue to work with the state and county health officials to determine when this order can be lifted or any further action will be taken,” he said.