County Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Law Enforcement and First Responders
Author
Ashleigh Holand
Nastassia Walsh
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Minimizing risk and exposure to COVID-19 is a top priority for communities, especially for law enforcement officers and other first responders operating in the field. Law enforcement and emergency dispatchers are modifying procedures for responding to criminal and civil offenses and filed police reports in order to reduce interpersonal contact and mitigate viral transmission among officers and community members. Counties are also reinforcing the use of citations in lieu of arrests to reduce the number of individuals booked into jail for low-level, nonviolent offenses.
Bexar County, TexasThe Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) has instituted changes that encourage social distancing and reduce potential exposure of infection for officers and community members. The BCSO recommends officers avoid entering private residences and businesses and encourages deputies to conduct as much business as possible outside. Also, the office has enacted an Alternate Response to Non-Emergency Request for Service that instructs all non-critical calls to be handled by phone. The BCSO is encouraging officers to use discretion in making arrests and recommending the use of cite and release when appropriate. Bexar County has extended its stay-at-home order through May 19th and authorizes officers to enforce this order against individuals who violate it through a fine of up to $1,000 or confinement for a maximum period of 180 days. |
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Washington, D.C.The District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is providing guidance for reporting minor and low-level offenses online or by phone to limit community contact. MPD is requesting that individuals calling for police services notify the dispatcher if they are experiencing flu-like or COVID-19 symptoms so first responders may take appropriate safety precautions. While executing calls for service, officers ask the complainant to discuss matters outside to maintain social distancing; similarly, MPD is encouraging citizens to submit written statements to officers and detectives by email. In addition, MPD is restricting access to its physical locations to employees and members of the public with confirmed appointments. All individuals entering MPD headquarters are required to submit to and pass a general health screening and temperature check. |
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Clark County, Wash.Emergency Dispatchers at the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency are using scripted questions to assess cases for potential infectious disease to better prepare emergency responders prior to arrival. In addition, Clark County Fire and Rescue is limiting the number of firefighters entering dwellings to check on sick individuals. If caller responses indicate a potential COVID-19 case, a single firefighter is assigned to respond. In addition, the department has revised protocol to allow firefighters to ask people to meet them outside if possible. |
Addressing the health and safety of law enforcement officers and other first responders remains a critical component to mitigating the short- and long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this crisis, counties will continue to have a primary role in safeguarding communities and maintaining justice.