South Pasadena Police Department Adapts To COVID-19

From the City of South Pasadena:

March 18, 2020

In response to additional guidance received by federal, state, and local public health officials, the South Pasadena Police Department (SPPD) is adapting to challenges caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus.

SPPD has not changed or reduced its deployment strategies at this time and will continue to respond to all law enforcement related activities in the City. The situation is both fluid and evolving, and the SPPD is working to maintain field staffing levels that ensure high-quality response times to emergency calls for service within the City.

SPPD has implemented processes that have equipped department personnel with the necessary training and resources needed to establish good community-based behaviors and practices that should help reduce the likelihood of introduction or spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus within the department and throughout SPPD's ranks. Staff has been briefed on COVID-19 issues and will take all due precautions necessary when dealing with the public to keep everyone involved as safe as possible.

Modifications to Parking Enforcement

Effective immediately until April 30, 2020, the SPPD will not be enforcing overnight parking restrictions while children are home from school. Both the City and Police Department will reevaluate this decision if more closures are warranted. The police department will continue to take enforcement action (as needed) on all other parking violations.

Modifications to Services

It is SPPD’s goal to continue to provide the highest level of safety and service while preserving the health of both SPPD personnel and the community. Based on logical precautions, SPPD has modified some procedures to limit exposure of the public and employees. For example, we may accept and document certain non-emergency crime reports over the telephone rather than in person. Additionally, while our police department lobby will remain open for limited purposes, we encourage residents to call ahead at 626-403-7270 to determine if we can serve your needs without requiring a visit.

If you request a call for service to report criminal activity or to file a report, please call our Police Dispatch Center at 626-403-7270. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, fever, or a respiratory illness, please notify us when you make the call. This will allow our first responders to take any needed safety precautions prior to their arrival.

Some police reports can also be made online at https://www.southpasadenaca.gov/government/departments/police/e-policing-resources/file-a-police-report-online and we encourage our residents to take advantage of this service whenever possible.

Criteria for filing a police report online:
- The incident is not an Emergency.
- The incident occurred within the City of South Pasadena. - You do not know the name or identity of the suspect involved or have physical evidence associated with the incident.

Cases involving theft of identity, theft or unauthorized use of credit/debit cards, checks, or other financial crimes, may not be reported on-line. These crimes must be reported in person. It is essential for officers to verify the victim’s true identity at the time the report is made.

Additionally, victims should provide officers with as much information regarding their case as possible, to include copies of financial documents, bank statements, credit card account information, fraud affidavits, or any other information relevant to the crime. If your situation does meet the above requirements, you may file your report online for the following types of incidents:

• Auto Burglary
• General Thefts valued at $950 or less
• Theft of Items from an unlocked vehicle valued at $950 or less
• Theft of items from an open or unsecured area valued at $950 or less
• Lost or Stolen Cell Phones or Other Property
• Annoying or Harassing Phone Calls
• Mail Theft
• Vandalism
• Vehicle Tampering

Enforcement of LA County’s Department of Public Health Order

SPPD is proactively working to inform local restaurants, bars, fitness centers and entertainment venues of the new County of Los Angeles – Department of Public Health Order, which temporarily prohibits group events and gatherings in order to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Official County Public Health Order

About La County’s Health Order

This order specifically requires the closure of bars and nightclubs that do not serve food, fitness centers and entertainment venues.

Restaurants/fast food facilities are limited to preparing and offering food to customers via:

• Delivery service
• Take out
• Drive thru

How Are Businesses Being Notified?

The City is working hand-in-hand with the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and reaching out to all businesses affected by this change.

Information has also been provided by the City to the media as well as posting on the City’s social media channels, e-news and website.

What Happens If A Business Fails To Comply?

According to the County’s Public Health Order, non-compliance is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment, fine or both under California Health and Section Code Section 120295. The City will be coordinating compliance efforts with the County to ensure the health and safety of our community.

Who Can I Call If I Have Questions On Enforcement?

SPPD will be working with the County of Los Angeles to enforce the new Order. Questions should be directed to 626-403-7297.

We thank the community for their patience and apologize for any inconvenience these adjustments may cause. The men and women of the SPPD are committed to the safety and well-being of our residents and dedicated to maintaining the superior service.

This press release was produced by the City of South Pasadena. The views expressed here are the author’s own.