Chiefs' Survey: Protecting & serving in the midst of a pandemic
When it comes to protecting and serving in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Minnesota police chiefs and sheriffs are most concerned about whether their agencies will have the necessary equipment and information to do their jobs. That’s the key message behind a Chiefs’ Survey conducted by both the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association and Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association. More than 350 local public safety leaders took part in the survey which will help the associations better understand their needs and concerns and make sure that information is shared with state and federal public safety leaders.
The N95 face mask was easily the top piece of protective equipment flagged by survey participants. 57% ranked it at the top of their list of needs. The masks are used to protect wearers from airborne particles and liquid contaminating the face. The same number of chiefs said they would also make data about COVID-19 patients and their addresses available to officers through computer aided dispatch or CAD systems, if the state would make the data available. Both issues have been discussed at length during regularly scheduled conference calls with Minnesota public safety and emergency management leaders.
When it comes to enforcing the law, including the governor’s executive order closing non-essential businesses, 97% reported no significant challenges. Some agencies report spending time educating business owners on compliance and, in at least one instance, a bar owner was cited for allowing friends inside behind locked doors to play cards.
But the COVID-19 pandemic has clearly changed how many agencies go about their work. Half of those who responded have changed how they handle staffing and scheduling. This includes eliminating overlapping shifts or separating staff into distinct teams to avoid potential cross-contamination. Other agencies have encouraged officers to work remotely, avoid coming into the office and sharing squad cars. Still others have taken steps to cross train their personnel in dispatch, jail and records. 11% of the respondents reported they are prepared to make staffing changes when they believe it is necessary in their community.
Minnesota police chiefs and sheriffs have also offered a range of guidance to officers regarding patrol operations. In some cases agencies have changed response protocols for medical calls, including those where patients exhibit flu-like symptoms. Others have advised officers to remain visible but reduce traffic enforcement and other violations to cases where public safety is a primary concern.
At this point, only a handful of Minnesota police and sheriff departments have officers quarantined with COVID-19 symptoms or have come into direct contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus. Fewer than half are in the process of hiring additional personnel and a third of the respondents have employees who are members of the Minnesota National Guard.
Despite that, many chiefs and sheriffs are bracing for more severe impacts on their agencies and communities. 62% of the respondents said they do not have enough PPEs or personal protective equipment. In addition to the N95 masks, they ranked disinfectant wipes, gowns, eyewear and gloves on their list of needs. Many also raised concerns about access to COVID-19 tests for officers and officer stress and mental health.
MCPA will continue to convene regular conference calls with regional representatives. Executive orders, other law enforcement guidance and best practices are posted as they are issued and each day with chiefs in a daily email. CLEOs with questions and concerns that need to be addressed should contact MCPA at [email protected]. |
