Coronavirus: Kirkland Police Change Procedures To Slow Spread

KIRKLAND, WA — Kirkland Police Department Chief Cherie Harris announced temporary changes to the department's protocols to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus. The changes include closures and limiting contact.

The city has closed the front counter at the Kirkland Justice Center, a release from the police department says. Residents can still access an officer by using the blue phone outside the front door. Police are also putting a hold on concealed pistol licensing applications.

On Friday, the police department announced more steps they're taking to keep people safe from the virus:

• Community members are encouraged to file police reports for not in progress crimes using our online reporting system at the Kirkland Police Department website.
• You may notice that officers may be utilizing the phone to respond to calls for crimes that are not in-progress. This may require additional flexibility and creativity, such as photos and witness statements being shared via email or phone. The KPD is committed to continuing to provide excellent customer service.
• Officers will be limiting contact, as much as possible, in cases where there is no immediate threat to the safety of the caller, or other individuals involved.

Police will respond in-person only to emergencies, serious in-progress felonies, calls involving life safety, injuries and traffic-blocking accidents. "Please know that these temporary changes are to protect the safety of our officers and the community," the release said.

"I realize that these temporary changes will feel out of the ordinary for community members and for our officers," Chief Harris said. "These are unprecedented times that call for a different approach to keeping our community safe. Rest assured that we will still be there for you when you need us most. We appreciate the public’s understanding as we work to get through this challenging situation together."