By Chief Jeri Williams
Phoenix Police Department
"These are unprecedented times.
And I want to assure you that no matter the situation, the Phoenix Police Department is here to serve our community and to provide public safety needs.
I want to share publicly some of the temporary changes we've implemented to improve our ability to respond to violent crime while minimizing contact with people potentially infected with COVID-19.
First, as it relates to our police work:
- We have our dispatchers asking specific COVID-19 related questions when a call comes into 911. This helps our officers know what they are walking into when responding to a call for service.
- Once on the scene, our officers are assessing each situation to determine the best possible solution for the safety of all involved. We are making every attempt to minimize transportation and exposure to the jails. However, if the situation is violent or dangerous, individuals will transport as necessary.
- We've closed the lobby at our Public Records and Services Unit. If you need services such as public records, vehicle impound or assistance with alarms, you'll need to call ahead to make an appointment. This is designed to limit the number of people in the building at the same time. We've also made the decision to temporarily suspend fingerprinting services. If you need to be fingerprinted, you can use 3rd party private service.
- The Property Management Unit will also limit the number of customers in the lobby.
- If you follow our social media platforms, you know we are encouraging the use of online reporting for crimes where possible. This is a valuable service for crimes such as stolen or lost property, ID theft or credit card fraud. This is just another way to limit person-to-person contact to prevent exposure to the virus.
- Our officers are responding to businesses, providing education about the local and state order requiring bars, restaurants, gyms and movie theaters to close. Our Community Relations and Community Action Officers will be providing educational material to businesses that are not following the executive order. We understand that this doesn't apply to family and friends who choose to get together privately, however as a reminder, the C-D-C has advised against any groups larger than 10 people.
To help our officers be as safe as possible while meeting the needs of their personal lives, we are evaluating work schedules and making adjustments that balance those needs with the need to serve our community.
I would like to take this opportunity to also thank our health care partners as they provide the medical help to so many of us. Let's help them by donating blood, there is a critical need and I will be doing my part to help. Please consider donating.
We are a resilient community and I am confident we will get through this crisis. Let's work together to stop the spread by washing our hands and practicing social distancing. Most importantly, if you are sick please stay home and call your health care provider.
God bless and be safe."
See currently impacted City Services 
