Coronavirus: Bel Air Police Add Gear, Screen Calls To Stay Safe

BEL AIR, MD — To protect officers and citizens, the police in Bel Air have changed the way they do some things. They may be wearing additional protective gear in certain cases, and there are also calls they will not be responding to in person.

There are 21 people who have tested positive for the virus in Harford County as of Saturday morning, according to state health officials.

"With community transmission now widespread in Maryland, we must act as if everyone has the COVID-19 coronavirus," County Executive Barry Glassman said in a statement Friday.

Dispatchers will be screening callers in Bel Air for the new coronavirus by asking the following questions:

• Do you have a fever?
• Do you have a cough?
• Do you have shortness of breath?
• Does anyone with you have a fever, cough or shortness of breath?

If the caller answers "yes" to any of these questions, the police officer will be putting on personal protective gear. In some cases, police said the officer may wear protective gear anyway based on the officer's preference.

"We ask that the public not be offended or assume that they are deemed a threat," the Bel Air Police Department said in a statement.

The officers will also not be responding in person to calls for service about things like theft, malicious destruction of property, tampering with a vehicle and trespassing.

Police will respond if an incident is in progress; the suspect is still there or in the immediate area; there is physical evidence; or if there is injury or the possibility of an injury.

"We appreciate the community’s cooperation as we navigate these unprecedented times," Bel Air Police Chief Charles Moore said in a statement. "Our priority remains the health and safety of our residents and staff. The precautions we have put into place at this time are designed only to help stop the spread of the virus and maintain a healthy environment."