Civil Standby Requests

Any Court Order provided to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office that states that a Deputy Sheriff shall assist; or standby; while property is being obtained or exchanged between parties as further provided in the Order does not authorize enforcement or any other participation by a Deputy Sheriff.

A Deputy Sheriff will respond, but will not break into and/or enter into a residence, building or vehicle. Nor will a Deputy Sheriff restrain the movement of any person or vehicle.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office will not make an arrest during this response unless such arrest is otherwise authorized by Washington State law and such arrest is reasonable under the circumstances.

A Deputy Sheriff will leave the premises if asked to do so, as this type of Court Order does not give a Deputy Sheriff the right to trespass on real property. Likewise, if the person seeking the assistance of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office is asked to leave the premises, that person is legally required to do so.

Any self-help action taken (such as trespass, unlawful entry and/or assault) may result in an arrest or the issuance of a citation/complaint.

Any person who willfully fails to comply with the Order may be subject to punishment through civil contempt proceedings.

If the affirmative assistance of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office is required to enforce civil orders, then the appropriate writ should be obtained and the applicable procedure followed, i.e. WRIT of HABEAS CORPUS, WRIT of RESTITUTION, WRIT of ATTACHMENT.

If you have any questions, call Chief Civil Deputy Kelly A. Soltwisch at 884-0941 during normal business hours (8 AM-5 PM).