Bethel Cops To Make Changes In Era Of Coronavirus

BETHEL, CT — Police are advising residents that, in light of the new coronavirus, officers will be taking reports over the phone for certain procedures.

The phoned-in reports are those that do not require an on-scene investigation to be conducted, evidence to be collected, or otherwise require an officer to respond to the scene. Residents having incidents meeting these criteria are being encouraged to use this service, which will be available between 8:00 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. The police will be in effect until further notice.

"The goal of this temporary procedure is to help cut down on unnecessary in-person contact and help mitigate the risks associated with person-to-person transmission" of COVID-19 police officials posted in social media. "We feel that because our officers interact with many people throughout the day, having them unnecessarily interact with residents, many of which are considered ‘vulnerable,’ is a prudent and judicious approach to limiting a possible exposure."

If an in-person response by an officer is warranted, the officer will be practicing social distancing.

Officials emphasized that officers will always respond to crimes of violence and crimes against a person.

"Rest assured that we are here for you, as you would expect," officials posted said. "The only thing we are temporarily changing is the manner in which we provide our services not the quality of the services we provide."