More than a fifth of Detroit authorities are in quarantine as two die from coronavirus and another 39 test positive for the disease as U.S. law enforcement struggle during the pandemic
Several law enforcement personnel have tested positive for Covid-19 in the US
More than a fifth of the Detroit Police Department in Michigan are quarantined, as well as two deaths and 39 confirmed cases
Officers are forced to work double shifts, work in different units to fill absences and having their temperature checked daily
An AP survey found nearly 690 officers and civilian employees at law enforcement officers have been diagnosed with coronavirus
Fears over supplies and personnel shortages have hit authorities
Police academies across the country are accelerating coursework to provide reinforcements
More than 500 NYPD personnel have contracted coronavirus
Some officers have been ordered to issue tickets or summons instead of making arrests for minor crimes
Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
LAUREN EDMONDS
DAILYMAIL.COM
28 March 2020
More than a fifth of the Detroit Police Department are quarantined, with 39 confirmed coronavirus cases and two deaths, as the pandemic continues to batter the country’s law enforcement.
Several police department’s around the U.S. are struggling to maintain their ranks as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to batter their officers and other personnel.
In the United States, there are 112,480 cases and 1,846 deaths.
‘I don’t think it’s too far to say that officers are scared out there,’ said Sgt. Manny Ramirez, president of Fort Worth Police Officers Association.
For the Detroit Police Department, a department of 2,200 people, the pandemic looks like officers working double shifts and switching units to fill patrols. And everyone has their temperature checked before they start work.
In Michigan, more than 3,600 people have confirmed cases and the city of Detroit has amassed at least 850.
Detroit Police Chief James Craig tested positive for coronavirus, meaning that an assistant chief released from quarantine has been spearheading day-to-day operations with a dwindling number of healthy officers.
Last week, Craig spoke at a press conference and revealed that the pandemic is unlike anything he’s ever encountered.
‘I’ve never seen anything like this,’ he said, according to USA Today.
‘As of right now we have 152 members of the police department that are quarantined. Of that, 130 were ordered to quarantined; 22 self-quarantined.
At this point we currently have five sworn police officers and one civilian
contract employee who has tested positive for Covid-19 … It’s certainly a cause for concern … I can tell you that our services at this point will not change.’
Craig also said members of the 9th precinct became infected after an event was held there, involving a now-diagnosed attendee who was not showing symptoms at the time.
When speaking about what these cases mean for authorities, Craig said they’re in a ‘big fight’ at the moment.
He said: ‘We talk about the what-ifs all the time. We have a number of offices that are quarantined. How much? How many more? And what impact will that have on a shift?
‘We are in a big fight right now. Together we’ll get through this.’
Officials said those in quarantine should be able to return to duty soon.
An Associated Press survey revealed that nearly 690 officers and civilian employees at law enforcement officers have been diagnosed with coronavirus. The number of those in isolation as they await test results is far higher in many places.
In response, law enforcement has implemented new protocols on the fly in their attempt to stay afloat.
The Rest…HERE
