Here’s How To Protect Our Law Enforcement Officers During COVID-19
Our law enforcement offices are the backbone of state infrastructure. However, as front line workers, they have felt the sting of COVID both in direct ways and indirectly. Of course, we must ensure our officers are safe and healthy so they can help keep the rest of the population in the same manner. A topic that is discussed in more detail below.
Limit shift rotations
One of the most critical steps in taking care of our law enforcement officers during COVID-19 is to ensure limited shift rotations. That is, officers should work in small teams and not break out of these unless absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, this is something that may require some additional administration and organization during a time when resources are already stretched.
However, it is vital to work in this alternate manner. The reason being that it can help limit the spread of the virus and ensure that if the infection does occur, its impact is kept to a minimum.
Provide better PPE
Also, on the subject of infection, the supply and proper use of proper PPE or personal protective equipment is vital. Of course, the PPE needed will differ depending on the roles that officers are asked to perform. With some officers requiring only disposable face masks and bags to keep them in, as well as a plentiful supply of hand sanitizer. In contrast, others may also need protective gloves, glasses, and visors, especially if they are tasked to work with those at high risk of infection.
Additionally, education on how to wear, dispose, and correctly use PPE is also essential. After all, officers not only have a duty to take care of themselves, but they also act as an example for the rest of the public as well. With that in mind, ensuring law enforcement officers can model correct COVID safety behavior is essential.
Provide more personal safety equipment
With shelter in place orders, tempers can flair more quickly than usual. This is something that may mean law enforcement at a greater risk of non-COVID related violence and danger than usual. With that in mind, it is crucial to make sure that each and every officer and official has the personal safety equipment they may need in a crisis available to them in their vehicle.
The good news is that if you are an office looking to upgrade your provision, you can Buy Personal Safety Items for Your Vehicle easily online. All you need to do is establish your needs.
Provide training on managing crowds in COVID times
Additionally, many Midwestern stages have found that larger protests have become more likely during the time of the Pandemic. To that end, thorough education and training on how to manage crowds in the safest way possible for all offices are essential.
After all, crowd control can be challenging at the best of times. However, when all present are meant to be keeping a set distance apart, there is an extra layer of complication. One that our brave officers are required to account for.