Law enforcement doesn’t get a break or a temporary closure due to COVID-19. Preventative measures within police departments are being taken across the nation to ensure public safety officers are as safe as possible while still policing their communities. Here are a few of the common (temporary) policies put into place.
A department in Ohio says their department has implemented a pandemic policy that they already had in place and are encouraging officers to take reports via telephone whenever possible.
Social Distancing
Several departments have put policies in place to practice social distancing on the streets as well as inside of departments. For instance, if mandatory trainings are still being held, departments are greatly limiting the number of people in the room and keeping them six feet apart. That way officers can keep up with necessary certifications.
Police officers are encouraged to handle calls via phone unless it is absolutely imperative to go to the location in person. When it is necessary to interact face to face, the six foot distance should be maintained as much as possible. (This shouldn't change much, actually. For decades law enforcement has been training a reactionary gap that is at least the length of your leg plus a foot. That's already four+ feet, so the six foot distance isn't a great increase.)
Some agencies are allowing non-essential staff, such as administration, to work from home. Other staff such as records and evidence personnel are limiting or removing walk-in requests by replacing them with emails. Instead, many records clerks and evidence technicians are setting up appointments for pick up.
Health and Hygiene
Taking a few extra steps can reduce the likelihood of catching or carrying the virus. Some departments have mandatory hand washing stations set up as a reminder for officers to wash their hands more. Other ways agencies are handling the situation is by issuing N95 masks to officers, adding more supplies to personal protection kits and wiping down police units several times per day. (Especially if a prisoner is transported in the vehicle.) In the event of extreme situations, some agencies are equipping their officers with powered air purifying respirators. Many departments have added hand sanitizing workstations in their departments and have provided their officers with extra, heavier tyvek suits and gas masks.
Policing the Streets
Though jails across the country are limiting the number of inmates they are taking or putting stipulations such as “felons only,” more officers are patrolling the streets overall. Since businesses are closed and large groups are prohibited, law enforcement are encouraged to keep an eye out for crowds as well as ensure buildings are not broken into.
Making a few adjustments can help reduce or limit exposure of COVID-19. Enforcing the law and keeping communities safe are still priorities but it is also a priority to maintain officer safety and health.
Hilary Rodela
Hilary Rodela is currently a Surveillance Officer, a former Private Investigator, a former Crime Scene Investigator, and Evidence Technician. She worked for the Ruidoso (NM) Police Department as well as the Lubbock (TX) Police Department. She has written for several public safety publications and has extensive law enforcement and forensic training and is pursuing forensic expertise in various disciplines. Hilary is a freelance public safety writer and curriculum developer for the National Investigative Training Academy.
