New West police officers are protecting themselves with N95 masks, safety glasses and gloves while working on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the department.
“You can expect to see our officers wearing personal protective equipment,” Acting Chief Const. Dave Jansen announced on Twitter. “There may be times when our officers ask people to exit certain spaces in order for us to maintain the advised social distancing during our calls for service.”
The department is continuing to do its work during the pandemic, he posted.
“I want residents to know that we are here for you. You will continue to see us patrolling, responding to calls, and serving marginalized populations. We are a phone call away if you need us,” he wrote. “We will continue to provide security to New West during these challenging times.”
Officers do so despite the risks, Jansen added.
“We have the same concerns about this virus that you do,” he wrote. “It is a testament to the dedication and compassion of all our staff that despite their concerns they continue to work each day to maintain a level of service this city can be proud of.”
If someone calls 9-1-1 and says they have COVID-19 symptoms, officers will wear protective equipment when responding, according to Hailey Finnigan, strategic communications coordinator for the department.
They will also wear protective equipment while conducting breathalyzer tests, she added.
“We want to let residents know that they can expect to see these small changes but can count on us to be there for them,” she wrote in an email to the Record.
