Prescott Police to implement operational changes amid COVID-19

The Prescott Police Department issued a news release Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020, stating that due to the rise in COVID-19 cases in Yavapai County, the department has begun implementing several operational changes. (Courier file photo)

The Prescott Police Department issued a news release Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020, stating that due to the rise in COVID-19 cases in Yavapai County, the department has begun implementing several operational changes. (Courier file photo)

With the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the community, the Prescott Police Department has implemented several operational changes.

For instance, the police station lobby has been closed, and the department is encouraging people to use the internet or the telephone to report crime, rather than through in-person reports.

In a news release Wednesday, Nov. 25, the department stated, “The Prescott Police Department is continuing to monitor the on-going efforts to slow or combat the coronavirus pandemic and we remain committed to our mission to protect our community, maintain public safety and enforce the law.”

The release added that as first responders, officers are on the front line of emerging public health concerns, including infectious disease.

“We meet these hazards by utilizing best practices to mitigate our risk in any situation that we encounter,” states the news release. “It is absolutely essential to help keep our community safe while taking reasonable measures to keep first responders healthy and available to provide the service that you deserve.”

With those cautions in mind, a number of preventive measures were announced, effective immediately. They include:

• The lobby of the Prescott Police Department will be closed to the public into the foreseeable future.

• The department strongly encourages people to use alternative methods of reporting crime in lieu of coming to the police department in person.

Options include online reporting via the city’s website, as well as speaking to an officer by phone. Because the online reporting is limited to certain types of crimes, the department asks people to look over the forms to see if the crime they are reporting qualifies for that type of reporting, at: http://www.prescott-az.gov/…/repo…/citizen-online-reporting/.

• As officers take information over the phone they will make the best decision regarding the severity of the crime and solvability related to any on-scene follow-up that may be needed such as photographs or collection of potential evidence.

The release adds: “If you need a copy of a police report you may call our Records Section during regular business hours to request the report at 928-777-1988.

• Those who have property that they need to retrieve from the Police Department should call the Records Section at 928-777-1988 and ask to speak to a property and evidence technician to schedule an appointment to pick up the items.

The release adds that as the department continues to evaluate the situation, it will work with government and law enforcement partners and adjust protocols and the response plan as appropriate.


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