Enforcing masks in Monterey is about more than just citations

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION)--We have received multiple emails and phone calls from people saying Monterey Police are not properly enforcing the mask mandate at various locations, including political rallies.

We reached out to the department to ask how they are dealing with people not wearing masks or social distancing.

Lieutenant Jake Pinkas tells us officers are working hard to balance the safety of everyone, and because of this, handing out citations has not been top of mind. Just this past weekend at Window on the Bay, two officers were sent to patrol a rally of over 50 people.

The department acknowledges there are people who may be violating the rules by not wearing a mask when standing within six feet of others, but Pinkas says officers must "balance the rights of individuals exercising their first amendment rights, with potential law violations, and the possibility of a crowd becoming hostile with the officers they have on scene." 

As an example, Pinkas says they've had several protests this year where protesters have blocked city streets and marched in the streets, all violations of the law, but says they have balanced the need for enforcement versus their first amendment rights.