Baltimore County Police Change Up Gear, Reporting For Coronavirus

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — The Baltimore County Police Department has made a few changes to curb the spread of the new coronavirus. Police gave guidance on ways to get in touch, including online reporting and a nonemergency number; and made a request for those who want to help.

Visitors to the station will find front desks and walk-up service have been closed to the public to ensure social distancing, according to police. Social distancing is a practice that is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to slow the spread of the virus by avoiding groups and staying 6 feet away from people.

"We remain prepared to respond to your emergencies during this COVID-19 pandemic," Baltimore County Police Chief Melissa Hyatt said in a public service announcement this week.

"When we do respond to a call for service, depending on the circumstances, our officers might be wearing personal protective equipment," Hyatt said. "Please don't be discouraged. This will not impact our level of service. Rather, it is for your protection as well as to keep our officers healthy."

Here are ways to get in touch with police.

• Call 911 to report an emergency.
• File a report online on lost property, vandalism, hit and run, theft and abandoned vehicles.
• Call the Baltimore County Police Department's nonemergency number at 410-887-2222.
• Call the precinct. Here is a list of precincts.

Many people are offering food and supplies to police officers, according to authorities. While cleaning supplies are welcome, police said people should not bring food to the precinct.

If someone comes to the precinct, police said an officer may come outside.

All the efforts are designed to stop the spread of the coronavirus, for which 149 in Maryland have tested positive, state health officials reported Friday.

Gov. Larry Hogan on Thursday prohibited gatherings of more than 10 people.

“At the state level, we are doing everything in our power to protect the health and safety of our citizens, but everyone has a critical role to play," Hogan said Friday.

Specifically, Hogan asked Marylanders to do two things this weekend:

• Avoid playgrounds, pavilions and anywhere that groups of more than 10 people may gather.
• “We are asking all returning spring break travelers to self-quarantine for the next 14 days, and to avoid people over the age of 60," Hogan said Friday. "Even though students are not returning to campus, this should not in any way be treated as an extension of your spring break. If you ignore this recommendation, you are endangering yourself and the health of others."

Said Hogan: "If every single Marylander steps up and does their part by making sacrifices now, it will slow the spread of this virus and save lives." One person died in Maryland from the new coronavirus Wednesday. Officials identified him as a Prince George's County man in his 60s.

Those who see people gathering in groups of more than 10 can call 911, according to officials.

"The governor's orders are clear," Hyatt said in a statement provided to Patch Friday. She called it "frustrating and shortsighted" that people were "risking the spread of COVID-19 for the purpose of socializing" and said police were on a task force with other county agencies such as the fire department and health department to keep the community safe during the health crisis.

"We have a duty to enforce the law within the authority that we are granted for the community to understand the magnitude of this pandemic," Hyatt said. "People are continuing to put first responders, community members and themselves at risk by not following the order."

Said Hyatt: "Please be smart and cautious, follow the law and do your part to help us get through these times."