In this age of social distancing and increased sanitation, law enforcement – including Eugene Police - have had to balance being responsive with observing pandemic protocols.
EPD personnel aren’t mandated to wear protective gear, but are urged to use their best judgment if any are warranted. Officers are encouraged to wipe down their vehicle’s interiors with disinfectant, and many calls are now handled via phone.
Chief Chris Skinner outlines one of the biggest challenges facing his department.
“This concept that we have police officers that signed up for and know the very dangerous job they signed up to do, but in my lifetime of 29 and a half years of doing this job, most of the threats that I encounter as a police officer, I’ve been able to see, hear, feel…." explains Skinner.
"This may be the first time we have a threat that we can’t see, hear and feel, and we’re possibly bringing it home to our families.”
Skinner says officers are dealing with high levels of anxiety, but he’s proud of his force. He urges patience as the number of service calls has not decreased during the pandemic.
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