How COVID-19 Is Changing Law Enforcement Practices

The world has shifted drastically ever since the pandemic struck. Not only has COVID-19 affected businesses and social activities, but has also impacted the way law enforcement agencies act in the time of crisis.



Here’s how the pandemic has changed law enforcement practices so far.

Reduced Number of Arrests & Police Stops

Police departments across the nation have been instructed to reduce the frequency of stops they make or the custodial arrests they carry out, in an attempt to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The Philadelphia Police Department, for instance, issued modified guidelines on the type of arrests that should be prioritized at this time. Offenses that fell in the categories of nonviolent crime such as vandalism, burglaries, possession of narcotics, and prostitution were effectuated via the Arrest Warrant.
Police departments in NYC too have been instructed to delay arrests and minimize enforcement actions for actions that may be categorized as lower-level offenses. They’ve been advised to take a person into custody only if there’s a high or obvious risk to public safety.

Prioritization of Response to Cases of Domestic Violence

The rise in domestic violence has been alarming during the pandemic. As the majority of people are now staying at home as per their state, city, or district guidelines, many survivors of domestic abuse have found themselves to be in close proximity with their abusers. The situation is also extremely grim for those at risk of domestic violence, who’re anything but safe at their homes.
Law enforcement agencies including police departments have been instructed to prioritize cases of domestic violence and respond to those ASAP. They’ve been working with other local service providers to help with the safety of at-risk individuals and help them relocate to shelters or other safe areas during the course of the lockdown. 

Limited In-Person Calls

Another thing law enforcement agencies have been doing to reduce the spread of COVID-19 among their own community as well as the society at large is reducing the number of in-person calls an officer can/should make. For non-emergency issues, it has been recommended to avoid making in-person calls and instead resort to other ways of resolving the issue at hand. Online complaints and reporting services have helped with this.
Want to appear for the upcoming NYS Court Officer Exam? It’s not too late to start preparing yet!
Civil Service Success offers prep classes for civil services, helping aspiring candidates prepare for NYC civil service exams. For more information about their online classes, call at 631-218-0889. 

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