Chief: Most Cooperate with Emergency Orders

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MIDDLE TOWNSHIP – Youngsters are home from school, but playgrounds stand empty. Fences and barricades block beach access in most of Cape May County’s shore communities and the state parks are closed, all part of the extraordinary steps aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19.
Declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in early March, the virus has killed thousands and sickened far more around the world, while the emergency measures put in place to fight it has disrupted countless lives.
Most residents are obeying Gov. Phil Murphy’s emergency orders, according to Middle Township Police Chief Christopher Leusner.
Most Cooperate
“For the most part, we’re getting really good cooperation,” said Leusner, who also heads up the Cape May County Chiefs of Police Association. He said he’s heard similar reports from other municipalities.
Compliance has not been perfect, he said, but for the most part, people seem aware of the seriousness of the situation and are willing to follow the emergency orders, which have included closing non-essential businesses, limiting travel and prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people.
“Usually we get compliance by just having a conversation and educating folks,” Leusner said.
Murphy declared a state of emergency through Executive Order 103, March 9, and since then has issued a series of emergency orders aimed at increasing social distance. 
Cases Grow
At the time of the order, there were 11 presumed positive cases statewide, with 24 more potential cases spread across several counties.
Since then, the total positive cases have climbed sharply, with more than 75,000 people testing positive throughout the state and thousands of deaths blamed on the disease, including some in Cape May County.
Around the state, summonses have been issued over violations of the executive order, including for loud, crowded parties, for non-essential businesses remaining open and for deliberately coughing on officers, trying to infect them with the virus.
Typically, summonses are reserved for the most extreme cases, Leusner said, usually issued as a last resort for either a blatant violation or for someone who refuses to cooperate. He has not heard of any being issued in Cape May County.
Not in Middle
“I can tell you, not in Middle Township,” he said. Officers have broad discretion.
“Col. (Patrick) Callahan has said on a number of occasions that discretion is one of the most powerful tools at an officer’s disposal,” Leusner said. 
Each day, he joins about 800 other police executives for a conference call with Callahan, the superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, getting reports from around the state and fresh guidance for the rapidly evolving situation.
Since the start of the crisis, the only day the call did not take place was Easter morning, he said.
Deal Diplomatically
His officers can look to the chain of command for further guidance, he said, and can call the Cape May County Prosecutor’s office, where an assistant prosecutor has been assigned to give legal advice pertaining to the governor’s order.
If there is an issue that the officers can deal with through a conversation or some diplomacy, they are encouraged to go that route, Leusner said.
At the Woodbine Station of the state police, Sgt. Joseph Walters had a similar report.
“It’s been kind of quiet,” he said. He’s the assistant station commander. 
In addition to Woodbine, the station provides police protection for Upper and Dennis townships, covering more than 100 square miles of territory stretching from the beaches of Strathmere to the Delaware Bay.
He said there were a few calls after Upper Township closed the Strathmere beaches, and troopers occasionally receive calls about groups of people in public, but he said there have been few issues that require troopers to respond.
At a recent Upper Township Committee meeting, Committeeman Hobart Young raised concerns about young people climbing fences or gates to access recreational areas. Walters said troopers are aware of the issue but said most parents and children are obeying the rules.
“The kids are doing a decent job of social distancing,” he said. “You see more people walking or riding bikes in small groups. We encourage it. After being cooped up inside, you need some exercise and to get some fresh air.”
Crime’s Down, but It’s Early
Overall, crime appears to be down, Leusner said, but he cautioned that there is not yet enough data to draw any conclusions. With fewer cars on the road, it’s to be expected that there are fewer accidents. He said officers remain ready to respond when needed.
“We still have calls. We’re on guard. We understand that more domestic violence cases may happen,” he said. “We’ll continue to handle those calls appropriately and to make sure everyone gets the services they need and we continue to take action to protect people.”
As with other crimes, Leusner said he did not have any data to prove there has been an increase in domestic violence in his township or in nearby communities, but some reports have indicated it could increase as people are under increased stress and often living in close quarters.
An April 6 story in The New York Times, written by Amanda Taub, reports that worldwide cases of domestic violence have increased as families face lockdowns.
An April 9 article in the National Law Review states that stay-at-home orders mean an impossible decision for some people, stay at home with an abuser or risk potential exposure to a deadly virus. 
The New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence says those who need help can call the domestic violence hotline at 1-800-572-SAFE or text “LOVEIS” to 22522. More details are at https://njcedv.org/covid19.
Officers’ Protection
As with other on-the-job dangers, officers take steps to protect themselves and the public through this health crisis. According to Leusner, the department shares the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New Jersey Department of Health, along with offering additional training material on how officers can handle calls.
Officers wear cloth masks in public and have gloves and other protective gear, including N95 masks that offer a greater level of protection.
“Officers are not wearing an N95 on every call for service, but they are available when they need it,” he said.
Officers are also cleaning and disinfecting much more often, including cleaning the back of their patrol cars after anyone has been inside and regularly disinfecting the areas the public has access to, such as the lobby of the police substation in Rio Grande.
“The vast, vast majority of our community is abiding by the emergency orders. We appreciate that greatly,” Leusner said.
To contact Bill Barlow, email bbarlow@cmcherald.com.