REHOBOTH BEACH, Del.- A man was recently issued a citation for defying to wear a mask on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk, Bringing up the question of how the police are continuing to enforce these guidelines. Rehoboth Beach police say that masks are still required on the boardwalk but are recommended on the beach and on the avenue but as the crowds get bigger the police department says it could get harder to enforce this. Rehoboth Beach Police say they are trying to do everything possible to help people understand the state guidelines. Keith Banks, Chief, Rehoboth Beach Police Department said, "We are out there, out cadets are out on the boardwalk each day we're handing out, we've handed out over 3,000 masks to individuals that did not have a mask, that we've asked to." Yesterday Rehoboth Beach Police say they issued the first civil citation related to the regulations. Police say a man from Pennsylvania approached the boardwalk without a face covering. A cadet informed the man he was required to wear a face covering on the boardwalk, but the man walked onto the beach telling the cadet he could follow him. Officers say later a full time officer accompanied the cadet onto the beach to find the man who gave police a fake name and address. Police say after an hour the man finally agreed to give his information, was issued a citation, provided a mask and released. But Chief Banks says arrests are not the goal. "Again it's not about making any arrests it's constantly educating just reminding people to try to do what is required so our last thing we will ever want to do is make an arrest," Banks said. But police say overall, through educating people it has gone smoothly. He said, "Most people are compliant with that or have it in their pocket and it's just a friendly reminder to hey can you take it out and put your mask on." Banks says he's happy the police were able to provide masks to those without one. Saying the cadets are doing a great job of educating people. But he says the police can only do so much. "The people that want to do it they're gonna do it, if not the ones that truly do not want to and have their own beliefs it's going to be more confrontational," Banks said. Rehoboth Beach Police say they do not want to make arrests, that is the last thing they want to do. The police department says they're hoping by educating and informing people about the guidelines that they will continue to follow it.
How Police are Enforcing Social Distancing and Mask Guidelines with Bigger Crowds
