Police Procedures Change Amid COVID-19

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WILDWOOD CREST – The coronavirus is altering police protocols, laws and the way those regulations are enforced, as departments scramble to remain vigilant and responsive while protecting officers from the pandemic.
“Police work in its nature can be dangerous. We know that when we sign up for it. But it’s one thing putting yourself at risk,” Wildwood Crest Police Capt. Robert Lloyd, the officer-in-charge, said in an interview with the Herald.
“Not only are we putting ourselves at risk. It’s difficult to ask an officer to go out on the street and then tell them to go home to their families when they have no idea what they encountered. It’s a little different now.”
Protecting Officers
Lloyd said officers are protecting themselves by taking routine reports over the phone and making sure personal protective equipment (PPE) is available in their vehicles. This is the case in many neighboring municipalities as well.
The Crest is “in a good spot equipment-wise,” Lloyd said but has a limited number of N95 masks, gloves, gowns, and eye protection. He reached out to the Office of Emergency Management to ask for more supplies.
“We’re trying not to overuse them or use them needlessly,” Lloyd said. “If they’re concerned or think they should wear it, they’re told to go ahead. We let them make their judgment call when they get to the scene.”
The captain, who took charge of the department Jan. 1, said the town isn’t soliciting donations of protective equipment from the public, because he would rather those go to hospitals.
“I know the local medical facilities are struggling more with the PPE than we are right now. I’d rather that stuff get to the hospitals and the doctors’ offices where they’re needed at this point in time.” 
In an Emergency
Lloyd made clear that if anyone has an emergency or commits a crime, the officers will not hesitate to react and respond accordingly.
“If you commit a crime you’re going to be arrested and charged,” Lloyd said.
Don’t expect a delay in emergency response because of the virus either, he advised:
“If there is an emergency situation that needs to be immediately handled, the police that are responding will not stand outside and let something happen. They will go inside and do what they need to do and perform any immediate care that is needed. The over the phone reporting, and everything, that is for minor incidents.”
Crest Commissioner David Thompson, in charge of public safety, said to expect more questions from dispatchers when calling 9-1-1. He advised residents at a March 25 commissioners meeting that dispatchers would be asking callers if they have flu-like symptoms.
“The dispatch will ask the nature of your need and at that time will be asking if anyone has symptoms that would represent the virus so our EMS or police responding can take the necessary precautions,” Thompson said, asking for the public’s understanding and patience.
“Please don’t think our response to crimes or emergency situations is going to be lacking. We’re going to do everything we can to avoid unnecessary contact with the public, but when immediate action needs to be taken, we will take that action,” said Lloyd.
Changes in Crime  
In the Crest, no changes in crime trends have been reported since the emergence of the coronavirus in the United States, Lloyd said.
 “We haven’t noticed any real difference in the crime trends or anything in the local areas. I can at least speak for Wildwood Crest, there hasn’t really been any change. Everybody seems to be pretty much staying inside except to exercise or go to the grocery store,” he said. 
Asked if those who do not comply with social distancing or other executive orders issued by Gov. Phil Murphy would be cited for their disregard of public health orders, Lloyd said it would be at the discretion of responding officers.
“We’re pretty far into this. I’m pretty sure everyone knows they should not be having large house parties and gatherings of 30, 40, 50 people. That would be pretty foolish at this time. The officers would use their discretion, and if need be, would issue citations,” he said, adding so far the department has not had to get involved in enforcing any policies related to the coronavirus.
Some have speculated that a quarantine could lead to an uptick in domestic violence, with families and couples spending more time together than perhaps ever before.
“That’s definitely a concern that we’re looking at,” said Lloyd. “We hope it doesn’t happen. We hope we can all make it through this and things like that don’t happen. But being realistic, it is something we’re anticipating happening.”
Mandatory Quarantine?
President Trump floated the idea of a mandatory quarantine, enforced by the National Guard, before backing off that idea and instead extending the current strong social distancing suggestions until the end of April.
According tomLloyd, no matter what happens, his department will be ready.
“We’ve been preparing since this started,” he said. “We’re prepared. We’re willing to do what we have to do. It’s definitely unchartered territory.”
Whirlwind First Three Months
Lloyd took over when Chief Joseph McGrath retired at the end of 2019. A few days into his command of the department, President Donald Trump announced he would be visiting the island.
Then after a momentarily settling in February, Lloyd was thrust back into new territory again as the coronavirus uprooted the global economy and forced unprecedented school, business, and building closures and forced the cancellation or postponement of some of the world’s most visible and cherished events.
“It has been interesting,” Lloyd said.
“I couldn’t be more proud to have the people that work for me working for me and couldn’t be more proud to work for the agency I work for. We’ll get through this, be stronger for it and we’ll keep moving forward.”
To contact Shay Roddy, email sroddy@cmcherald.com.