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COLUMBIANA – The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has implemented some operational changes amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With the COVID-19 outbreak, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is concerned about the safety, health, and well-being of our citizens and staff who, along with other public safety and healthcare counterparts, are on the front lines of this pandemic,” reads an April 3 press release. “The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office recognizes that interacting with the community is vital to our community policing effort. Engaging our community continues to be an essential factor to maintaining the strong relationship with our citizens. However, in the midst of the COVID-19, we will be taking precautionary measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

Effective Monday, April 6, the SCSO’s front lobby will be closed and some services will be modified to ensure that the guidelines designed to prevent the spread of this virus are followed. This closure will include the substation located on U.S. 280 and in Chelsea.

The sheriff’s office will continue to accept pistol permit applications through the mail with payment submitted by check to P.O. Box 1095 Columbiana, AL 35051. However, Shelby County Sheriff John Samaniego has extended the renewal date for pistol permits that expire after April 1 until June 1.

To obtain a copy of an incident or accident report, call the Records Department at 205-669-3854 or email Sorecords@shelbyso.com.

The Shelby County Jail will continue offering scheduled video visitation with inmates. However, jail staff are taking additional precautions to provide for social distancing and to allow time for staff to sanitize video visitation equipment.

For bonding or inmate release information, please call the Shelby County Jail at 205-669-3938. Property release will be done through appointment only by calling 205-670-6012.

“I want to ensure the citizens of Shelby County that we are focused on providing everyone with the highest level of service during these trying times,” Samaniego said. “Our deputies will be maintaining their normal patrols across the county and will be responding to all calls for service. Thank you for your patience and understanding during these difficult times.”