The Columbus Police Department and the Bartholomew County Sheriff Department have established a number of practices in response to the coronavirus COVID-19 situation.
In a news release sent out Monday afternoon, Columbus police said the changes have been made to reduce unnecessary risk of exposure in order to protect the employees of the Columbus Police Department, as well as citizens.
The community may notice some changes in the way officers respond to calls, said Alyson M. Eichel, police department spokeswoman.
Officers will still respond to major case investigations, such as calls regarding crimes in progress, motor vehicle crashes with injuries, missing person/runaway cases, and domestic disturbances. However, they may take certain precautions including social distancing, and using personal protective equipment, Eichel said.
For minor cases, CPD is encouraging members of the public to make reports over the phone. Callers may receive a return phone call from officers in an attempt to handle low level, non-emergency calls over the phone. The types of calls for which this could happen include minor motor vehicle crashes, vandalism, harassment, and thefts, Eichel said.
Officers may ask for callers to step outside their residences to conduct investigations in open air, and avoid unnecessary physical contact, such as handshakes. CPD is suspending fingerprinting services until further notice.
The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department said it is responding to emergency 911 calls, but non-emergency calls are asked to be made to 812-379-1689 and a deputy will respond by phone.
Beginning today, two deputies will be assigned to BCSD’s front desk, during first and second shift, to take reports over the telephone. Incident reports can be emailed, faxed or mailed by calling 812-379-1650. For state accident reports, please go online to: buycrash.com
No fingerprints will be given until further notice. Public restrooms located in the lobby at the Bartholomew County Jail are closed until further notice.
BCSO employees have proper safety equipment/gear, deputies said.
hel said.
