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Justice Is Blind. What if She Also Has the Coronavirus? Justice Is Blind. What if She Also Has the Coronavirus?
(about 5 hours later)
As the coronavirus spreads across the country, the nation’s criminal justice system could become a casualty. Law enforcement officials say the public should be prepared for interruptions to two basic functions: quick responses to all 911 calls, and the right to a speedy trial.As the coronavirus spreads across the country, the nation’s criminal justice system could become a casualty. Law enforcement officials say the public should be prepared for interruptions to two basic functions: quick responses to all 911 calls, and the right to a speedy trial.
With little experience in managing a pandemic of this magnitude, some courthouses and police departments have been scrambling in recent days to ensure they can avoid a breakdown in public safety if the outbreak significantly widens in the United States. But many are doing so in a piecemeal fashion, without significant guidance or widespread agreement on what to prioritize and how to keep operating.With little experience in managing a pandemic of this magnitude, some courthouses and police departments have been scrambling in recent days to ensure they can avoid a breakdown in public safety if the outbreak significantly widens in the United States. But many are doing so in a piecemeal fashion, without significant guidance or widespread agreement on what to prioritize and how to keep operating.
“If we lose 40 percent of our force, what would police service look like?” asked Chris Davis, a deputy police chief in Portland, Ore.“If we lose 40 percent of our force, what would police service look like?” asked Chris Davis, a deputy police chief in Portland, Ore.
Departments were making plans this week to quarantine their own officers if needed and deciding how to “triage” essential safety functions, even as judges began to clear their courtrooms, postpone trials and restrict people who might be at risk of infection.Departments were making plans this week to quarantine their own officers if needed and deciding how to “triage” essential safety functions, even as judges began to clear their courtrooms, postpone trials and restrict people who might be at risk of infection.
At the federal courts in Maryland on Thursday morning, anyone who had been in New Rochelle, N.Y., or Washington State in recent weeks, as well as several countries where the disease has also spread widely, was barred from entering.At the federal courts in Maryland on Thursday morning, anyone who had been in New Rochelle, N.Y., or Washington State in recent weeks, as well as several countries where the disease has also spread widely, was barred from entering.
Some courthouses are automatically excused anyone from jury duty who is over 60 — those most vulnerable if they contract the disease — orwho is pregnant or has underlying health conditions.Some courthouses are automatically excused anyone from jury duty who is over 60 — those most vulnerable if they contract the disease — orwho is pregnant or has underlying health conditions.
Others, like the court system in Harris County, Texas, which includes Houston, are taking broader steps: On Wednesday, the county canceled all civil trials that require a jury for the rest of the month.Others, like the court system in Harris County, Texas, which includes Houston, are taking broader steps: On Wednesday, the county canceled all civil trials that require a jury for the rest of the month.
And on Thursday afternoon, in the most dramatic sign yet, the Supreme Court closed its building to the public.And on Thursday afternoon, in the most dramatic sign yet, the Supreme Court closed its building to the public.
Police officers and others who work in law enforcement and public safety face special challenges: They have extensive contact with the public, including people who call 911 for health emergencies, and are some of the least able to stay isolated if they are at risk of infecting others. A major outbreak could test the ability of law enforcement to maintain public order in ways never seen before.Police officers and others who work in law enforcement and public safety face special challenges: They have extensive contact with the public, including people who call 911 for health emergencies, and are some of the least able to stay isolated if they are at risk of infecting others. A major outbreak could test the ability of law enforcement to maintain public order in ways never seen before.
The contingency plans at many police departments include reallocating staff, deploying trainees and retirees and curtailing some service calls. To focus on critical needs, officials say they might have to respond to fewer minor car accidents, pull resource officers out of schools or delay responding to nonviolent crimes such as shoplifting and vandalism. The Miami-Dade Police Department said on Thursday that it would not enforce eviction notices for the time being.The contingency plans at many police departments include reallocating staff, deploying trainees and retirees and curtailing some service calls. To focus on critical needs, officials say they might have to respond to fewer minor car accidents, pull resource officers out of schools or delay responding to nonviolent crimes such as shoplifting and vandalism. The Miami-Dade Police Department said on Thursday that it would not enforce eviction notices for the time being.
“You will see all-hands-on-deck moments, where you are canceling vacations and taking detectives out of burglary and property crimes, for example, and putting them back on the street,” said Robert Davis, a former police chief in San Jose, Calif., who is now a senior vice president at a prominent security risk management consulting firm.“You will see all-hands-on-deck moments, where you are canceling vacations and taking detectives out of burglary and property crimes, for example, and putting them back on the street,” said Robert Davis, a former police chief in San Jose, Calif., who is now a senior vice president at a prominent security risk management consulting firm.
Even in normal times, many patrol officers typically have hundreds of “contacts” with the public every week — on calls, in hospitals, at traffic stops. They eat in crowded restaurants and use public bathrooms. They work alongside firefighters, paramedics and other medical personnel. And they often share police cruisers with officers who work different shifts, all of which make their vehicles into what some officers call “moving petri dishes.”Even in normal times, many patrol officers typically have hundreds of “contacts” with the public every week — on calls, in hospitals, at traffic stops. They eat in crowded restaurants and use public bathrooms. They work alongside firefighters, paramedics and other medical personnel. And they often share police cruisers with officers who work different shifts, all of which make their vehicles into what some officers call “moving petri dishes.”
In Sunnyvale, Calif., several police officers were performing chest compressions on a 72-year-old man last week when a relative shared disturbing news: The man had been on a cruise ship with people who may have contracted the coronavirus. They kept performing CPR, and the Police Department then quarantined the five officers and two firefighters who had interacted with him, sending them home while health officials ran tests.In Sunnyvale, Calif., several police officers were performing chest compressions on a 72-year-old man last week when a relative shared disturbing news: The man had been on a cruise ship with people who may have contracted the coronavirus. They kept performing CPR, and the Police Department then quarantined the five officers and two firefighters who had interacted with him, sending them home while health officials ran tests.
Sunnyvale’s police chief, Phan S. Ngo, acknowledged that his response exceeded federal guidelines. But knowing the risks, he decided to be extra careful until results came back showing that the man, who did not survive, did not have the coronavirus.Sunnyvale’s police chief, Phan S. Ngo, acknowledged that his response exceeded federal guidelines. But knowing the risks, he decided to be extra careful until results came back showing that the man, who did not survive, did not have the coronavirus.
Other departments have also had to take personnel off the streets. Three police officers and a quarter of the firefighters in Kirkland, Wash., had to be quarantined after an outbreak at a nursing home, and in San Jose, 10 percent of the city’s firefighters were isolated after one of them tested positive for the coronavirus, officials said on Thursday.Other departments have also had to take personnel off the streets. Three police officers and a quarter of the firefighters in Kirkland, Wash., had to be quarantined after an outbreak at a nursing home, and in San Jose, 10 percent of the city’s firefighters were isolated after one of them tested positive for the coronavirus, officials said on Thursday.
During the 2003 outbreak of SARS, another respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus, more than 300 police officers in Toronto were quarantined as the epidemic led to about 40 deaths in the city. The shortage of officers meant officials had to reprioritize how to respond to service calls.During the 2003 outbreak of SARS, another respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus, more than 300 police officers in Toronto were quarantined as the epidemic led to about 40 deaths in the city. The shortage of officers meant officials had to reprioritize how to respond to service calls.
Toronto later increased training and planning for disease outbreaks and created a plan to better track infected or exposed officers. It also stockpiled N95 respirator masks and antibacterial gel. The lessons prompted some police departments in the United States to update their plans for a pandemic.Toronto later increased training and planning for disease outbreaks and created a plan to better track infected or exposed officers. It also stockpiled N95 respirator masks and antibacterial gel. The lessons prompted some police departments in the United States to update their plans for a pandemic.
One was the department in Overland Park, Kan., the state’s second-largest city. If a large number of police officers have to be quarantined during an outbreak, the city’s contingency plans include turning resource officers at the local high schools into patrol officers, and responding to fewer noninjury accidents and reports of retail theft.One was the department in Overland Park, Kan., the state’s second-largest city. If a large number of police officers have to be quarantined during an outbreak, the city’s contingency plans include turning resource officers at the local high schools into patrol officers, and responding to fewer noninjury accidents and reports of retail theft.
“In order to maintain that 911 response,” said Frank Donchez, the police chief, “we’re going to scale back on other things. We’d be naïve to think that our officers wouldn’t be impacted.”“In order to maintain that 911 response,” said Frank Donchez, the police chief, “we’re going to scale back on other things. We’d be naïve to think that our officers wouldn’t be impacted.”
A widespread disease outbreak is a different kind of test than most police departments are used to, said Edward F. Davis, a former Boston police commissioner. “The idea of a pandemic has always been a third rail,” he said. “It is so extreme, and the steps you may have to take are so unusual, that you don’t even want to contemplate it.”A widespread disease outbreak is a different kind of test than most police departments are used to, said Edward F. Davis, a former Boston police commissioner. “The idea of a pandemic has always been a third rail,” he said. “It is so extreme, and the steps you may have to take are so unusual, that you don’t even want to contemplate it.”
Mr. Davis now runs his own business strategy and security services firm. While many cities now have a greater stock of hazmat equipment, he said, police officers and other emergency responders have often not been trained in their use.Mr. Davis now runs his own business strategy and security services firm. While many cities now have a greater stock of hazmat equipment, he said, police officers and other emergency responders have often not been trained in their use.
And he worries about the ability of police officers to enforce orders calling for large-scale isolation. After the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, the police had no authority to arrest anyone who went onto the streets after the governor declared a voluntary lockdown, he said.And he worries about the ability of police officers to enforce orders calling for large-scale isolation. After the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, the police had no authority to arrest anyone who went onto the streets after the governor declared a voluntary lockdown, he said.
“I am not quite sure what happens if there are mass quarantines,” Mr. Davis said. “This is an area not practiced on, and it is untested.”“I am not quite sure what happens if there are mass quarantines,” Mr. Davis said. “This is an area not practiced on, and it is untested.”
Updated June 12, 2020Updated June 12, 2020
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
At some courthouses, fears of the virus are running so high that all courtroom business is being called off. In New Hampshire on Thursday morning, all criminal and civil cases in the state Superior Courts were canceled for 30 days, and juries were ordered not to report.At some courthouses, fears of the virus are running so high that all courtroom business is being called off. In New Hampshire on Thursday morning, all criminal and civil cases in the state Superior Courts were canceled for 30 days, and juries were ordered not to report.
While federal courthouses remain open in Seattle and Tacoma, Wash., trials and all other proceedings that require lawyers, jurors or anyone else to show up in a courtroom have been suspended. Given the dangers posed by the virus, “the ends of justice served by ordering” the postponements “outweigh the best interests of the public and any defendant’s right to a speedy trial,” wrote the federal judge who issued that order, Ricardo S. Martinez.While federal courthouses remain open in Seattle and Tacoma, Wash., trials and all other proceedings that require lawyers, jurors or anyone else to show up in a courtroom have been suspended. Given the dangers posed by the virus, “the ends of justice served by ordering” the postponements “outweigh the best interests of the public and any defendant’s right to a speedy trial,” wrote the federal judge who issued that order, Ricardo S. Martinez.
Some lawyers said that if too many people in high-risk categories were excused or unable to participate in jury duty, it could raise civil rights concerns about whether juries would be adequately representative. Judge Martinez cited that concern as one of his justifications for postponing trials.Some lawyers said that if too many people in high-risk categories were excused or unable to participate in jury duty, it could raise civil rights concerns about whether juries would be adequately representative. Judge Martinez cited that concern as one of his justifications for postponing trials.
Ron Wright, a former federal prosecutor who is now a law professor at Wake Forest University, said the longer that certain classes of people do not take part in jury duty, the greater the chance defendants would be able to successfully argue they did not receive a fair trial.Ron Wright, a former federal prosecutor who is now a law professor at Wake Forest University, said the longer that certain classes of people do not take part in jury duty, the greater the chance defendants would be able to successfully argue they did not receive a fair trial.
“If you can make the case that this is only going to last a little while and then it will go back to normal, I don’t see any constitutional claims surviving,” Mr. Wright said. “But over the long run, the doctrine is a lot more flexible in allowing” defendants to show that the composition of the jury pool may have discriminated against them.“If you can make the case that this is only going to last a little while and then it will go back to normal, I don’t see any constitutional claims surviving,” Mr. Wright said. “But over the long run, the doctrine is a lot more flexible in allowing” defendants to show that the composition of the jury pool may have discriminated against them.
At many police departments, the focus now is on figuring out where to draw replacements from if their own patrol officers get sick or have to be quarantined, and what sort of investigations and other activities to trim back in a crisis.At many police departments, the focus now is on figuring out where to draw replacements from if their own patrol officers get sick or have to be quarantined, and what sort of investigations and other activities to trim back in a crisis.
Officers in some departments are privately questioning whether their forces are prepared. One officer in San Francisco, who asked not to be named because he feared he would be punished, said little had been done to plan for what would happen if many officers were exposed to the coronavirus, despite nearly 100 confirmed cases in the Bay Area.Officers in some departments are privately questioning whether their forces are prepared. One officer in San Francisco, who asked not to be named because he feared he would be punished, said little had been done to plan for what would happen if many officers were exposed to the coronavirus, despite nearly 100 confirmed cases in the Bay Area.
“There is virtually no conversation taking place,” the officer said. “They’re bringing in truckloads of hand sanitizers, but that’s pretty much it.”“There is virtually no conversation taking place,” the officer said. “They’re bringing in truckloads of hand sanitizers, but that’s pretty much it.”
In a statement, the San Francisco Police Department said that officers were trained and equipped to handle potential disease exposures, but that the department did not comment on “staffing and operational measures.”In a statement, the San Francisco Police Department said that officers were trained and equipped to handle potential disease exposures, but that the department did not comment on “staffing and operational measures.”
Hard-hit police departments could benefit from emergency agreements among cities and states that allow departments to share officers and resources in times of need, such as when hosting political conventions or recovering from a hurricane, said Art Acevedo, the police chief in Houston.Hard-hit police departments could benefit from emergency agreements among cities and states that allow departments to share officers and resources in times of need, such as when hosting political conventions or recovering from a hurricane, said Art Acevedo, the police chief in Houston.
His department is finding places to potentially quarantine any officers who become infected so they do not have to isolate themselves at home and risk infecting relatives. If a large number of officers were exposed, the department could lengthen shifts from eight hours to 12 hours for those still on the job. When Hurricane Harvey struck the city in 2017, Houston police officers worked six straight days without going home.His department is finding places to potentially quarantine any officers who become infected so they do not have to isolate themselves at home and risk infecting relatives. If a large number of officers were exposed, the department could lengthen shifts from eight hours to 12 hours for those still on the job. When Hurricane Harvey struck the city in 2017, Houston police officers worked six straight days without going home.
“They’d go offline long enough to take a couple-hour nap, then go right back to work,” Chief Acevedo said. “I don’t think anybody should be worried about law enforcement shutting down in any community.”“They’d go offline long enough to take a couple-hour nap, then go right back to work,” Chief Acevedo said. “I don’t think anybody should be worried about law enforcement shutting down in any community.”
Patricia Mazzei contributed reporting from Miami and Adam Liptak from Washington.Patricia Mazzei contributed reporting from Miami and Adam Liptak from Washington.