As social distancing increases to prevent the spread of Covid-19, law enforcement must take extra precautions when interacting with the public. ABC 15 in Phoenix reports that the Phoenix Police Department posted a video on its YouTube channel of Chief Jeri Williams outlining some of the safety measures that officers will be taking to meet the Covid-19 pandemic crisis.
During the three minute video, Chief Williams indicated that when Phoenix residents call police or 911, dispatchers will ask Covid-19 specific questions in order to help officers know what they are walking into. While the Phoenix Police has shut down the lobby for its Public Records and Services Unit, appointments can be made for assistance with public records, alarms, and impounds by calling ahead.
Police are also asking members of the public wishing to report lost or stolen property, identity theft, and credit card go to the department’s website at www.phoenix.gov/police/policereport.
Because Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has issued an executive order calling for the shutdown of all restaurants, bars, gyms, and movie theaters in the state’s most populated areas, police officers will be on the lookout for businesses who are defying the order. Chief Williams said that the police department’s community relations and community action officers be providing educational material to those businesses that are not following Governor Ducey’s executive order.
The Governor’s executive order was issued for Maricopa, Pima, Pinal, Navajo and Coconino counties.
