ST. JOHN'S — They work to make communities safe, but many Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officers are worried about their own safety and protection as COVID-19 continues to spread across the province.
“The biggest fear most of have is bringing it home to our families,” one officer, who preferred not to be named, told The Telegram Monday. “Some officers are more worried than others, having small kids or children with compromised systems.”
As most residents try to abide by the government’s message to stay home, RNC officers are still dealing with the public, responding to calls for service in situations that could potentially and unexpectedly put them at risk.
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“It’s hard for us to know what we’re getting into when we go (on a call),” the officer said. “We avoid contact if at all possible and we try to talk to people from a distance, outside (a home), that kind of thing.
“It’s going to take time, but it’s what we have to do.”
RNC media relations officer Const. James Cadigan said it’s a difficult situation, but the RNC has taken measures to limit the risk of infection to officers.
“As you can imagine, it’s definitely stressful,” Cadigan said. “But we’re making sure we’re doing all we can to protect our front-line workers.
“We know that by protecting our front line, we’re, in turn, protecting the community, preventing the spread of this virus.”
Cadigan said the entire RNC fleet of patrol vehicles has been sprayed with disinfectant — including radios and other utilitzed equipment — which will likely continue to be done weekly.
He said officers also take precautions when responding to calls for service.
The RNC’s communication technicians have been directed to ask pertinent questions related to the coronavirus to prepare officers and enable them to take precautions as needed, he said.
Cadigan said officers can utilize personal protective equipment, such as surgical masks, which they carry, and they can also request people who they come in contact with to use them. Hand sanitizer and other washing agents are also available.
He said they act on evidence-based guidance and rely on information from the province’s medical professionals.
“As information is being provided, we’re adapting. We’re working and focused on educating our community, working with the community ensuring that we’re all current with the regulations in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Cadigan said. “We want to make sure that if we receive complaints, we’re following up and ensure people are compliant.”
Cadigan stressed that if anyone poses a risk to the health and safety of the community, officers will enforce the law.
To report concerns about an individual or business not complying with the #GovNL Public Health Protection & Promotion Act use this #covid19nfld form: https://t.co/EgvBah9PQH. Please only call 911 the @RNC_PoliceNL or @RCMPNL in an emergency. pic.twitter.com/BH0nwB43Xw
— Justice and Public Safety NL (@JPS_GovNL) March 30, 2020
One arrest has already been made in Corner Brook, where a woman who returned from outside the province was supposed to quarantine, but reportedly did not. Another handful of cases relating to compliance of isolation and distancing are being investigated, according to the government.
Members of the public are directed to use the online reporting tool provided by the Department of Health on the provincial government’s website.
“That’s where we are obtaining our information,” Cadigan said. “We’re reviewing these reports daily, identifying concerns and following up.”
On a positive note, crime rates have dropped, including those for such offences as break and enter and traffic violations, as most people continue to abide by government and health officials’ directions to stay home.
Cadigan said the RNC is aware of the risks of intimate-partner violence at this time, and asks that anyone who knows of such cases to call police.
“We want to speak to our community who are victims,” he said. “We want to ensure they’re in a safe place.
“I have to say, overall we’ve been met with overwhelming support and compliance. It’s obvious our community is prepared to work together here to follow these regulations and keep our community safe."
Twitter: @TelyRosie
