Parsippany Police Department Alter Complaint Process

PARSIPPANY, NJ - Due to the state of emergency around the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, outbreak, the Parsippany Police Department has modified some protocols and services.

The changes are:

• Except for emergencies, please do not come into the police department to file a complaint. Please call 973-263-4300 first so we can screen your complaint. Non-urgent calls for service will be directed to an officer, who can document your complaint in a report over the phone.
• Urgent/emergency calls for service will still trigger an officer to respond under most circumstances, however you will be asked a series of questions so we can determine if precautions are needed to protect our officers and other first responders.
• The 911 system will remain fully operational.
• Requests for copies of reports can be made by emailing records@parpolice.com DO NOT COME TO INTO OUR LOBBY FOR A REPORT UNLESS DIRECTED.
• All fingerprinting services provided by our department have been suspended until further notice.
• Firearm applications are only accepted online at https://www.njportal.com/NJSP/... and responses may be delayed.
• We are suspending the processing of temporary handicap placards until further notice.
• Municipal Court Sessions have been canceled until further notice. If you want to pay a ticket fine please go to: https://tinyurl.com/r5flnle
• Discovery and OPRA requests will still be processed, however they may be delayed due to the state of emergency.

Due to the nature of the state of emergency, these protocols and services may change at a moment's notice.

Here's what else you should know:

• State health officials said they believe the virus is "community-spread" in New Jersey. "Community-spread indicates that the coronavirus is amongst us," Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli announced. Read more: Coronavirus May Be 'Community-Spread' In NJ
• Murphy issued a stay-at-home order, closing all non-essential business at 9 p.m. Saturday, March 21. Read more: Gov. Murphy Announces NJ 'Stay-At-Home' Order Due To Coronavirus
• On Monday, March 16, Murphy announced that all schools would close on Tuesday, March 17. Read more: NJ Schools Will Close Due To Coronavirus Outbreak: Gov. Murphy
• Here are 10 resources for you and your family to utilize as you navigate through the outbreak: Unemployment, Tests, Food: 10 NJ Resources In Coronavirus Crisis
• Murphy issued an executive order on Thursday, March 19 to ensure voters can exercise their right to vote without risking their health and safety. Read more: Coronavirus Alters NJ Election Procedure, Moves Election Dates
• The first person in New Jersey to die of the coronavirus was reported on Tuesday, March 10. Read more: First NJ Coronavirus Death, 4 New Cases: Governor
• New Jersey's courts suspended all new jury trials until further notice, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said on Thursday, March 12. Read more: Coronavirus Throws Monkey Wrench Into New Jersey Court System
• Rabner also announced on Saturday, March 14 that municipal court sessions will be suspended.
• The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission said it's also closing temporarily. Read more: New Jersey MVC Shuts Down Because Of Coronavirus
• Four members of the same New Jersey family died from the coronavirus, according to March 19 reports. Read more: 4 In Same Family, Including 3 In NJ, Die Of Coronavirus: Reports
• Murphy also has signed 16 bills into law that he says will help the state deal with the coronavirus outbreak. Read more: NJ Gov. Phil Murphy Signs 16 Coronavirus Bills Into Law

How It Spreads

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.
There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19.
While the best way to prevent illness is to avoid virus exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention always recommends taking preventive actions to contain the spread of viruses.

This includes:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

Residents who have questions about the virus can contact the State of New Jersey's hotline at 1 (800) 222-1222. The hotline is home of the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System, and is staffed 24 hours a day by state health workers.

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