April 2020 Blues Vol 36 No 4

What Police Need to Know About COVID -19
Continued from Page 24
world—forever. It will change
the trajectory of human behavior,
social norms, use of technology,
education, and commerce.
For instance, the fight over homeschooling—lauded
by millions
of independently minded parents
but opposed by teachers’ unions
and the elected leaders who are
beholden to them—has now all
but been decided, with kids at
home with family and doing their
schoolwork online.
That toothpaste is not going
back in the tube—ever.
For police though, there
will always be bad guys to be
brought to justice. There will
always be victims to be consoled
and healed. This won’t change.
But because of the way in which
the world will change, you’re
going to have to evolve the way
you do your job.
Be safe in these uncertain and
unsettling times.
Doug Wyllie has authored
more than 1,000 articles and
tactical tips aimed at ensuring
that police officers are
safer and more successful on
the streets. Doug is a Western
Publishing Association “Maggie
Award” winner for Best Regularly
Featured Digital Edition
Column. He is a member of
International Law Enforcement
Educators and Trainers Association
(ILEETA), an Associate
Member of the California Peace
Officers’ Association (CPOA),
and a member of the Public
Safety Writers Association
(PSWA).(CPOA), and a member
of the Public Safety Writers
What to expect on patrol
during the COVID-19 pandemic
Continued from Page 27
people speak. Genuine empathy solid advice and resources, will
combined with relevant suicide help all the citizens you serve
we should continue to be proactive.
prevention resources and appro-
get through this crisis.
People who are in crisis priate referrals are all effective
may not reach out for help, but proactive strategies we can continue
to safely employ in suicide Patrol is the backbone of any
THE STRENGTH OF PATROL
when they do, they should be
able to easily find the resources prevention efforts.
law enforcement agency. Patrol
they need. Agencies should use 5. Homeless individuals officers represent our profession
their websites and social media
to post suicide prevention being made in many states to public. This is another time to
Currently, arrangements are and local government to the
messages and resources. Patrol accommodate COVID-19 positive shine. The public will remember
personnel should be equipped homeless people in hotels and whether we behaved like heroes,
with handouts and be ready to motels. Knowing which ones are or otherwise. A little patience
provide resource information or available, their locations and the and empathy, plus delivery of
referrals when necessary. contact information will make valid information will go a long
We are always attuned to you a valuable first responder. way in these trying times. Continue
to be on the lookout for
what people are saying, and Quarantine and self-isolation
now we must be hypersensitive are impossible for those without ways you can be safe as you
– listening to hear the meaning a place to go. A small dose of help your community in these
beneath the words distraught your compassion, combined with difficult times.
28 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE
The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE 29