Many organizations and departments in the area are making adjustments to operations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Monday, the Riley County Police Department announced enhanced safety measures. Those that impact the public include the suspension of citizen ride-alongs, tours of the law enforcement center and speaking engagements with large groups.
Patrol officers will exercise at least a 6-foot distance between themselves and people they are assisting. Unnecessary contact such as handshaking will be limited. In-person response to calls will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine if an officer can appropriately respond by phone. RCPD’s Hazardous Materials Response Team may respond to select calls due to their enhanced hazardous safety training and attire.
For those calling 911 or the non-emergent line to speak to a dispatcher, they may use the Emerging Infectious Disease Surveillance Tool (EIDS) to determine appropriate protocol for emergency workers responding to the call if you are sick.
As for the jail, RCPD is suspending volunteer services and routine inmate visitation. Reduced rates of 25 cents a minute has been implemented by Inmate Canteen for at-home visitation. Inmate legal counsel will continue to have access unless the person coming to the jail is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 or exposure.
