Law enforcement agencies continue to serve communities through the COVID-19 pandemic

Like other essential workers, law enforcement officers across southeast Iowa are taking extra precautions as they continue to work through the coronavirus pandemic.

Though departments and offices are abiding by social distancing guidelines and limiting exchanges with the public, police chiefs and sheriffs say their officers will continue to patrol and be present in their communities.

'It's definitely changed how law enforcement handles things. We want the public to feel safe - that's our main goal,” Lyle Murray, police chief of the Mt. Pleasant Police Department, said.

For Murray, whose department has already seen a positive virus case, there's been increased attention to sanitation procedures.

'Cars are getting wiped down at least three times a day. We take temperatures before people come into work,” Murray said.

'It's more a concern than a fear. We've had it here in our department with one of our officers. That person followed guidelines and was out for a time. It doesn't do any good to be afraid,” Murray added.

Henry County Sheriff, Rich McNamee said he is requiring his staff to clean their work stations more regularly.

'We're cleaning computer keyboards, door handles and sinks on a regular basis - even every few hours depending usage,” McNamee said.

In addition to officers utilizing personal protective equipment and increased focus on sanitation both in offices and for patrol cars, most departments have closed their doors to the public.

'We locked down the law center three to four weeks ago. If someone comes in to talk to an officer, they do it outside and no one is allowed in the lobby,” Jefferson County sheriff Greggory Morton said. Anyone entering their building is also screened before allowed to enter, Morton added.

Officers in Washington County are also screened at the beginning of every shift, Washington Police Chief, Jim Lester said.

Lester, who worked through the H1N1 outbreak in the late 2000s, said law enforcement had been prepared to a certain extent to continue operating during a public health crisis, but had never seen anything 'to this magnitude.”

'I don't believe that was as widespread as this is. We're learning more and more about COVID every day. The guidance changes frequently - almost daily. This is unprecedented for how we're dealing with this,” he said.

Other precautions law enforcement agencies are taking include adaptations to normal routines.

'It depends on the urgency but if we can, we might take a call or interview over the phone. If they feel they need to stop and write someone a ticket, they try to keep their distance or give someone a single use pen,” McNamee added.

All dispatch centers are also screening calls and informing officers before arrival whether there could potentially be a positive coronavirus case. While masks have been widely worn, other PPE gear is generally reserved for specific calls. Like health care facilities, law enforcement agencies are facing shortages of supplies through their usual supply chains

'It's mainly because of supply. We're trying to limit when we need them,” Lester explained.

Outside of several adjustments and extra precautions, most departments and offices are going about their duties as usual.

'I think it's business as normal. We're still going out and patrolling; we're a community minded Sheriff's Office,” Morton said.

Because the pandemic has closed certain businesses, law enforcement agencies have seen a decrease in certain activities.

'It's kind of funny, the bars are closed so you don't have people who are drunken driving, so it's slowed down crime in some areas,” Morton said.

However, with warmer weather coming, departments are expecting to see a spike coming in activity,

'I would say we're just as busy. With the warm weather, it's picked up over the last week,” Murray said.

Murray added his department's main concern is with cases of child abuse and domestic abuse.

'People are staying home more because they can't leave and the school district does a good job of recognizing when a child needs help. We're not seeing that right now. When nice weather hits and restrictions loosen, we will probably have a large spike again,” Murray said.