After 6 Baltimore Police Get Coronavirus, Training Academy Closes

BALTIMORE, MD — The Baltimore Police Department stopped in-person training Monday after six members tested positive for the coronavirus, officials reported. The training academy will be cleaned and disinfected in partnership with the University of Baltimore, according to officials, who said remote learning will continue during the interim.

Between Friday and Monday, police said four trainees and two staff members tested positive for the virus.

"We continue to examine all procedures and precautionary measures put in place to minimize exposure to COVID-19 for all of our members," Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison said in a statement. “COVID-19 continues to challenge the policing profession, as we look to research best practices and create innovative solutions in resuming much-needed training to the members of the department."

Since the pandemic began in March, 65 members of the Baltimore Police Department have tested positive for the virus, officials said. The first officer contracted the virus in late March, and Harrison reported at the time he was in good spirits recovering.

A total of 638 members of the department have been quarantined temporarily for a variety of reasons —due to flu-like symptoms, travel to high-risk areas, possible exposure to the virus or respiratory illness.

In early April 133 police officers assigned to the Southwest District were ordered to self-quarantine after an officer there tested positive for the virus. The station was closed for a weekend to allow for cleaning.

Police said 596 of the 638 who were quarantined since the start of the coronavirus pandemic have been cleared to come back to work. That means 42 are out on quarantine as of Monday.

See Also:

• Southwest District Reopens After Coronavirus Sanitization: Police
• Retired Baltimore Police Sergeant Dies Of Coronavirus
• 3 First Responders Test Positive For Coronavirus: Mayor