Abstract
In the wake of COVID‐19, law enforcement personnel need to be aware of important facts about the spread of the virus so that they can help keep community spaces safe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted guidelines for law enforcement personnel directly related to public safety.
According to the CDC, law enforcement personnel should be aware that:
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COVID‐19 symptoms can begin as quickly as two days after exposure to a person with the virus, and can take up to 14 days to manifest. These symptoms include coughing, fever, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath.
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It is believed that the virus spreads mainly from person‐to‐person contact via respiratory droplets among close contacts. These droplets can be passed by coughing and sneezing. Close contact that is likely to pass the disease includes being within six feet of someone with the disease for an extended period of time (i.e., longer than simply passing them on the street) or having direct contact with bodily fluids from someone who has the disease.
The CDC recommends the following tips to stay healthy:
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Try to maintain a distance of at least six feet from other people, if possible.
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Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds frequently.
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Do not touch your face with unwashed hands.
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Have a trained Emergency Medical Service/Emergency Medical Technician transport anyone suspected of having COVID‐19 to a health care facility.
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Learn your employer's plan for exposure control and participate in training on personal protective equipment for respiratory protection.
The CDC recommends the following equipment for law enforcement personnel who must make contact with people with confirmed COVID‐19 as the minimum amount of PPE required for respiratory protection:
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A single pair of disposable examination gloves.
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A disposable isolation gown and/or disposable coveralls.
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Any National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety–approved particulate respirator. If any of these can't be found, face masks are an acceptable alternative until a NIOSH‐approved respirator can be obtained.
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Eye protection, such as goggles or a disposable face shield that covers the front and sides of the face.
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Finally, the CDC recommends the following actions if close contact with a person with COVID‐19 occurred during an apprehension:
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Clean and disinfect duty belt and gear prior to reuse. Using a household cleaning product or wipe to disinfect the gear should be sufficient.
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Follow the standard operating procedures for the containment and disposal of contaminated PPE.
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Launder clothes frequently and avoid shaking clothes.
The CDC also noted that risk of exposure for personnel performing daily routine activities was low, particularly if guidelines are followed.
Read more at http://bit.ly/2Wl51Z0.
Campus Security Report Board of Advisors.
Stanley Skipworth
Director, Campus Safety
Claremont Colleges
Jeff Kedrowski
Principal at FOG Advisors, Security Management Consultants
Lawrence M. Zacarese
Assistant Chief of Police & Director, Emergency Management Stony Brook University
Lara Fox
Director, Clery Compliance, Northern Arizona University
Ed Book
Chief of Police & Emergency Manager
Santa Fe College
David Miles
University Director, Public Safety
Fairleigh Dickinson University