Local law enforcement officers are being asked to take precautions against the virus that causes COVID-19. One of the precautions involves cleaning and sanitizing the inside of shared police vehicles. Above, Deputy Aaron McKinnon uses disinfectant wipes to clean the steering wheel and computer keyboard of his vehicle at the start of his shift today. (Journal-Tribune photo by Mac Cordell)
New steps in place to protect officers from virus
As law enforcement officials work to protect the community, they are also taking steps to protect themselves.
According to a report from U.S. News and World Report, more than 6,000 uniformed New York City Police Department employees, about 17%, were out sick Wednesday and Police Commissioner Dermot Shea has said 1,400 NYPD officers have now tested positive for the coronavirus.
According to the Associated Press, New York is not alone as metropolitan police departments like, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and New Orleans also have positive cases.
And while no local law enforcement officials have contracted COVID-19, they are taking steps to keep it that way. Local agencies all said they are following guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the Ohio Department of Health and the Union County Health Department.
Marysville Division of Police Deputy Chief Tony Brooks said the department has provided officers with face shields as well as N-95 masks and other personal protective equipment. He said the department has also provided disinfectant and sanitizer for vehicles and equipment.
He said the department has the ability to completely sanitize a vehicle after it has been used by anyone who has or is suspected to have COVID-19.
At the sheriff’s office, deputies are being asked to clean their vehicles before each shift, during the shift and as their shift ends. Even officers who do not share a vehicle are encouraged to spray their cars with disinfectant often and especially after there is another person in the vehicle. Sheriff Jamie Patton said the precautions actually begin before the shift starts. He said that all staff enters the building through the same door. A nearby room has a thermometer and every deputy or staff member is required to take their temperature before they even enter the locker rooms to change.
Staff Lieutenant Craig S. Cvetan of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said troopers have all the necessary equipment and supplies they need to stay safe, but explained one of the most valuable tools is knowledge. He said that by knowing and understanding the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 officers can recognize civilians with the virus and can monitor their own health.
“That way, we assure these employees know and are able to self-quarantine themselves from everyone else in the agency,” Cvetan said.
He said troopers will continue to be on patrol and maintain high visibility around the clock to ensure the safety of the motoring public.
Cvetan said that, “just by being present and maintaining that high visibility, we know it does deter crimes.”
He said that if there are less crimes, it means less close contact interactions.
Other agencies are using other methods to limit interaction.
Patton said “report-based, non-violent calls” such as mailbox damage, scams and identity fraud are being handled from a distance.
“These types of calls, we are allowing the deputies to call the victim and take those reports over the phone,” Patton said, explaining that written statements are being e-mailed to detectives.
“We are still responding to residences where a crime has occurred and there is potential evidence at the scene,” Patton said.
Brooks did say that callers “may get some increased questions from our dispatchers.”
He said the dispatchers could ask questions about the medical condition of the caller and others involved in the incident, “just so the officers, when they get there, have some idea what they might be dealing with.”
Patton said that when police arrive at some scenes, they are asking homeowners to keep their distance and could ask them to wear a mask.
Police and Highway Patrol officials each reinforced the idea that while they are practicing social distancing, they are continuing to make traffic stops.
“Obviously, the high priority calls we are still going to continue to respond to,” said Brooks. “If we see violations, we are going to continue to make traffic stops.”
Cvetan said some stops will be based on “if we see behaviors that pose a risk to the public.”
He also said the Highway Patrol “will continue to respond to calls for service and help motorists that may find themselves in need of assistance.”
Patton explained that if a deputy sees a “gross abuse of the law, they are going to make that stop.”
“But, if they were typically going to stop them to give them a warning or warn them about an equipment issue, they are not making those stops,” Patton said.
Cvetan said the public can help first responders by following the laws, avoiding preventable crashes and unsafe driving behaviors.
“Practicing safe driving habits will allow troopers and other first responders to remain healthy and available to respond to urgent calls for service,” Cvetan said.
Officials said closing shop is not an option for first responders, noting that in an emergency, the public looks to first responders for leadership.
“We are still working. Folks are still going to see us out,” Brooks said. “We will continue to be out there in the community, we will just be taking precautions to be safe and keep the community safe.”