Baltimore police confirms 10 coronavirus cases; 94 officers return to work
The Baltimore Police Department announced Monday that eight police officers and two civilian employees have tested positive for the coronavirus, while 94 officers are cleared to work.
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The Police Department is adjusting and modifying the delivery of police services to meet the evolving demands the coronavirus response.
City police said the Southwestern District Police Station has re-opened Monday after the building and department vehicles were sanitized over the weekend.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, 305 officers and civilians of the Baltimore Police Department have been quarantined for some length of time due to potential exposure to the coronavirus, to include travel from high-risk areas, displaying flu-like symptoms or symptoms of a respiratory illness. Of the 305 employees who have been quarantined, 94 officers and four civilians have been cleared to return to work.
The Police Department announced Saturday operations adjustments at the Southwestern District after an officer who is assigned to that district tested positive for the coronavirus.
The BPD said there are 133 officers and two civilian employees who serve the Southwestern District. The department is facilitating rapid testing for all members assigned to the district, as they will continue to be self-quarantined until their test results come back.
"There are going to be a lot of police officers that are going to be COVID-positive," Former Baltimore Police Deputy Commissioner Jason Johnson said. "I don't know what information there is. I know by this point there are probably a number of Baltimore police officers that are COVID-positive throughout the department."
At this time, the BPD is leveraging and reassigning different units within the department to maintain coverage in the Southwestern District and to ensure no disruption in public safety services throughout the city.
"You're not always going to be able to shut the police station down and quarantine every police officer in that district," Johnson said. "Because the ranks are so depleted already, really at this point, it would be the time to try to invite back officers who have recently retired and get them back on the payroll."
Police Commissioner Michael Harrison spoke Sunday with community leaders of the Southwestern District to discuss operation adjustments at the district and to address their questions or concerns.
"The men and women of this department continue to serve during this most challenging time. Our members are courageous and remain resilient," Harrison said. "I have spoken to all of the officers that have tested positive for COVID-19 and they are all recovering and are in good spirits. Despite this challenging time, our officers continue to go out every day to serve and protect our communities, their unwavering dedication should be commended by all."
Gubernatorial spokesman Mike Ricci tweeted Monday that Maryland State Police Superintendent Col. Woodrow "Jerry" Jones has offered more resources to Commissioner Harrison and the BPD in response to the issues in the Southwestern District.
"Our troopers and Maryland Transportation Authority police officers are continuing their regular patrol assignments in Baltimore City. Troopers work patrol in areas of need as directed by BPD command staff. Our criminal enforcement work continues in and around the city," Ricci tweeted. "We have and will continue to provide support resources when possible and as requested by BPD."
The BPD said it produced contingency procedures last month for a potential outbreak of the coronavirus at the department, to include patrol and specialized units within the department, and our law enforcement partners to ensure no disruptions in service. Additionally, the department enacted procedures for officers to complete daily health checks and remain alert for any respiratory symptoms.
"I think the emphasis should be more on preventing transmission, just like we are doing as a society, but even more hyper-vigilant in the organization because these folks are really essential," Johnson said.
All officers will have to complete a daily health check and stay aware of any respiratory symptoms.