Strongsville Police Change Policies To Protect Officers

STRONGSVILLE, OH — Strongsville police have changed some of their procedures to protect officers and residents during the new coronavirus, COVID-19, pandemic. Officers will continue to respond to any emergency calls or crimes in progress, the department said.

While emergency calls will be unaffected, police are shifting other policies. "Officers may respond to requests for service by phone if an officer’s presence is not necessary. If required for a report, written statements may be emailed to the reporting officer or dropped off in our lobby. Officers will try to keep a safe distance of the recommended 6 feet and will not be shaking hands," the Strongsville police department said on social media.

Police are also suspending all public relations events, all DARE activities, citizen fingerprinting and car seat installations until further notice. The department is also not accepting any donations of food.

"This on-going situation is very dynamic and has us all in uncharted waters. We will adapt as circumstances necessitate, and recommend everyone follow the guidelines set forth by the CDC. Thank you everyone and be safe. We have a great community and will get through this if we all work together," police said on Facebook.

As of Wednesday morning, Ohio had 88 confirmed cases of COVID-19 the Ohio Department of Health announced. Twenty-six people are currently hospitalized with the virus. The youngest infected person is 2 and the oldest infected person is 91.

Ohio will see a surge of COVID-19 cases, according to Dr. Amy Acton, director of the state health department. Officials are now trying to secure protective equipment for medical professionals and hospital beds for the sick.