Douglas County is actively preparing for a planned protest at the Judicial Law Enforcement Center (JLEC). Official information and updates will be posted here. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is working proactively with Douglas County Emergency Management, Douglas County Staff and elected officials to ensure the safety of Douglas County residents, visitors and businesses. There will also be active patrol throughout Douglas County.
An FAQ section can be found at the bottom of this webpage.
Transcript of Sheriff Coverley's Media Briefing here
Protest Information
An organized protest has been scheduled on: Saturday, August 08, 2020 from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Location: Judicial Law Enforcement Center (Douglas County Sheriff's Office)
1038 Buckeye Road, Minden, NV. 89423
Water Street Closure
Traffic controls are being put into place. Concrete walls will be installed to block motor vehicle traffic on Water Street for people to be able to move safely and freely on foot in this area.
On August 6, 2020 AT 8am, Water Street will be closed for motor vehicle traffic until Monday, August 10, 2020. The time that traffic can resume Monday, August 10, 2020 will be determined following the August 8 protest.
Map (PDF version of the map click here)
- The red area shown on the map, will be fenced and foot traffic or motor vehicle traffic will not be allowed. This is a no access area; please do not enter the area you will be subject to the trespassing law.
- Water Street will be CLOSED to provide additional space for a free speech zone
- Free space (shown on map) are established to accommodate anyone who arrives for the protest
- There will be an 8-foot separation from the two main doorways leading into the JLEC outward (this area will be clearly marked and the public will not be allowed passed the barricades into this area, unless authorized by law enforcement personnel)
For a PDF version of the map click here.
Douglas County Public Library
The Minden location of the Douglas County Public Library, located at 1625 Library Ln., will be closed on August 8. The safety of our staff and patrons is our first priority. (The Lake Tahoe location is closed on Saturdays due to COVID-19 Phase 2).
Parking
- Please prepare for a possible shortage of parking at the JLEC building and to consider other parking options
- We are asking the public to please move all motor vehicles by 6:00 am August 8th, 2020 from Water Street
Frequently Asked Questions
Who organized the protest?
The protest is organized by Black Lives Matter (BLM) chapters and counter protesters.
Location of the protest?
The protests are located at 1038 Buckeye Road Minden, NV 89423
For directions to the site, click here.
Where should I park?
Parking in the area will be limited. It is likely you will need to park offsite. Please obey all parking signs and traffic control laws. There are portions of Minden that are designed for residential and/or private parking only.
May I bring an animal to the protest?
There is no law prohibiting animals at the protest location. However, attendees must comply with all requirements under Title 6 of the Douglas County Code. We also ask you to consider the designated free speech zones for protesters are on asphalt/black top and water is not easily accessible. The temperature is expected to be 93 degrees on Saturday, August 8th and there is little to no shade available. Please plan accordingly.
Am I required to wear a face mask? or May I wear a face mask?
Governor Sisolak's Declaration of Emergency Directive 024 requires the use of face coverings when in public places and when outside when an individual is not able to maintain at least six feet of separation from others not of the same household.
Click here to view the Declaration of Emergency Directive 024. Face masks are allowed and encouraged because of the pandemic. In some instances they are required pursuant to the above referenced directive.
Free Speech
Douglas County values the free speech rights of all citizens under the First Amendment. However, criminal conduct, such as theft and destruction of another's property, physical assault or battery of another person, and trespassing is not protected by the First Amendment. We ask for the public's help to ensure the event remains a peaceful place for free speech and lawful activity.
If you See Something, Say Something
We ask members of the public, to constantly be aware of their surroundings, and immediately report any safety concerns. At any time during the event, if there is a life-threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1. Otherwise, the non-emergency number is (775) 782-5126. We hope police reports are not necessary, but in the case one needs to be filed please call (775) 782-5126.
Will there be public access to the JLEC Building?
The Judicial and Law Enforcement Center (JLEC) will be closed to the public. Attendees should plan accordingly for simple first aid needs, weather, hydration, and food.
Safety and Officer Conduct
Douglas County Sheriff's Deputies are there to ensure the safety of all attendees. If a deputy contacts you, please remain cordial and cooperative with the deputy.
Sticks, poles, pipes, bats or similar objects
Sticks being used as supports for signs, posters, banners or flags may only be permitted under all of the following conditions:
- They are attached and remain attached to a sign, poster, banner or flag at all times.
- They are made of wood. No metal, PVC, glass, or other material allowed for sign supports.
- They are blunt on each end. No sharp supports are allowed.
Information about CCW
The laws can be found here NRS 202.3653
Restrooms
Portable restrooms will be located on site.
Drones
NRS 493.109 prohibits the public use of drones within a horizontal distance of 500 feet or a vertical distance of 250 feet of the Douglas County Jail located at the JLEC. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office will enforce this prohibition and cite violators.
What should I plan for on the day of/bring?
The weather forecast for Saturday, August 8th indicates a high temperature of 93 degrees. The free speech zones are on asphalt/blacktop and there will be little shade on site. Bring sunscreen, water (a water source is not available on site), and dress appropriately.
Press Releases can all be found here
PRESS RELEASE Douglas County Prepares for Planned Protest on August 8, 2020
PRESS RELEASE August 6th, 2020 UPDATE
PRESS RELEASE Official Statement from the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners Regarding August 8, 2020 Protest
PRESS RELEASE Sheriff Coverley Media Briefing August 8, 2020
PRESS RELEASE Douglas County Sheriff's Office Responds to Protest
PRESS RELEASE *Update/Correction* Douglas County Sheriff's Office Response to Protest