Police change internal, external activities to handle pandemic’s effects
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) to implement several changes to its administrative and operational activities, including updating its existing pandemic plan to reflect coronavirus-specific elements. There were more than a dozen enhancements the police service made to its administrative work, while there were a handful of changes it made to its operational activities, police Chief Rick Bourassa explained on April 1 during the Board of Police Commissioners meeting.
Besides enacting and updating the pandemic policy, the police service also had to — and must continually — assess its staffing needs and levels, he said. Some employees were away for a few weeks since they had to self-isolate after returning from overseas. However, they are now back to work and the MJPS is fully staffed.
The police service created ways for employees to work from home. This proved challenging for some staff since they deal with unique intelligence- and reporting-related systems that can only be accessed at the police station. This means they have to come into work, but they are maintaining the required two-metre distance from others.
Another step taken was ensuring there is an adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE).
“Each one of our front-line members has a kit that contains the protective equipment necessary should they encounter a situation when they need to use it,” said the police chief. “Our policy spells out when those situations would be.”
Efforts were made to establish and maintain communications networks with agencies and bodies working on containing the pandemic. This includes the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the provincial government.
The MJPS assigned an officer to work with the business community and other residents to help them comply with public health orders. The police service also assigned another officer to the Police and Crisis Team (PACT). This unit combines officers and mental health professionals who respond specifically to mental health issues and divert individuals away from the hospital.
“There are a number of reasons we’re beefing that up. Number 1 is, with the stressors that accompany these sorts of situations, we have predicted — and are now beginning to see — an increase in the number of calls that are related to stressors and those challenges … ,” Bourassa said. “We’re (hearing) that in talking to other police agencies as well.” Crime doesn’t sleep, so the police service has ensured it has sufficient quantities of food, water and supplies for people who are incarcerated. The detention centre acts as a regional correctional centre and provides custody services for the RCMP, the Ministry of Corrections and Policing, the military, and other agencies as required.
Besides hiring another building maintenance employee to help clean the building, equipment and vehicles, the scope and frequency of cleaning have also increased.
The MJPS has increased the amount of information it sends to the public, including the fact it is still operating. Bourassa emphasized that residents should call if they need help and the police — after taking precautions —will respond.
Other administrative changes include initiating enhanced pandemic-specific data collection and analysis; developing and implementing coronavirus-specific PPE protocols and training; implementing daily pandemic response briefings; and conducting legal analyses and reviews of the orders police must follow.
Moose Jaw police have responded to more public health complaints, especially for calls about large groups that gather in parks. Bourassa noted that the police will respond “in a flash” if the public health inspector needs backup with a situation. Additionally, the police station now screens calls by asking callers if they have symptoms and what their health is like. It has also begun to screen all individuals who have been arrested.
“The Moose Jaw Police Service continues to provide comprehensive policing services throughout this challenging time,” Bourassa said. “Initially there’d been a bit of a decrease in calls for service when the isolation started. Now it’s been a pretty steady increase in calls to us and we expect that. We’re prepared for that as well.” The next Board of Police Commissioners meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19.