Community Corner
Coronavirus: Frankfort Police Share Changes In Operations
Frankfort Police Chief John Burica details some changes at the police department due to the coronavirus.
FRANKFORT, IL — The coronavirus has changed life for everyone, influencing guidelines and protocol at hospitals, fire departments and police departments. In a video interview with Frankfort Mayor James Holland and Frankfort Police Chief John Burica, some information is given on changes to police operations in Frankfort.
"One example [of changes] would be our roll calls," Burica said in an April 17 video. Officers from outgoing and incoming shifts usually share information and meet during roll calls. Now, roll calls are being done virtually via Zoom or FaceTime.
"We minimize the contact of officers not only with the public, but also with each other at the station," Burica said.
Find out what's happening in Frankfortfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Civilians working at the police department have also been divided so that only two employees are working each day, Burica said. The department had to modify hours and days for many of its employees.
Don't miss updates in Frankfort as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.
Find out what's happening in Frankfortfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"All employees are required to wear face masks at all times while at the station," Burica said.
Other changes at the department include taking non-criminal complaints over the phone or online. Police would usually meet with the person calling, but now non-criminal complaints are usually taken by an officer over the phone.
However, police are still responding immediately to crimes in progress, accidents and other calls that may require an officer to act quickly. Burica said when officers respond, they will be wearing personal protective equipment whenever they will come in contact with another person.
Burica encouraged residents to follow orders given by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and practice social distancing.
"These guidelines were put in place to keep us safe," Burica said. "When people don't follow them, you put both our police officers and yourself in danger."
Read more:
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
