Behind the Badge
What changes in terms of policing approach has gone into effect or changed in the last few weeks?
Officers have been equipped with necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and encouraged to practice good hand hygiene and social distancing. Police Officers will be responding to all emergency type calls for service but other, non-essential/non-emergencies type’s calls for service are being handled in other ways in order to limit the potential for exposure. Community members are being encouraged to utilize on-line crime reporting for less serious types of crimes ( https://www.cityofpasadena.net/police/crime/report-a-crime/).
The police Department building has limited public access and any services associated with Police Records or the department’s Property Section will be provided by appointment only. If an appointment is needed, they can be made between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Additionally, the Pasadena PD dispatch Center has begun screening calls in order to gather information about potential exposure, especially when the caller requests contact.
Protocols have been put in place in the event any officer is exposed or suspected of being exposed. Although every attempt to limit exposure is being made, all possible exposure scenarios have been considered and protocols have been implemented.
What is different since the pandemic started?
The community seems to be working together with this current situation. We have seen an increase in crowd sizes at local grocery stores and other locations where supplies can be purchased, but people are cooperating with the business and the limits of supplies they can purchase so that other community has access. With the closure of gyms, we have seen a significant number of people utilizing the area surrounding the Rose Bowl stadium to get their exercise.
Empty Pasadena freeway after Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti declares a coronavirus lock down moratorium on Monday, March 16, 2020. (photo by James Carbone)
With Pasadena school’s being closed for the next few weeks does this affect policing with kids being at parks more and out on the streets?
It is probably a little too early to gauge the impact on school aged children as the closure just recently went into effect. However, we would encourage families to get outdoors and use the City Parks and other outdoor facilities. The school district is working with children to provide on-line lessons to keep the learning process moving forward.
What event closures have happened due to Covid-19 and how does that affect the PPD?
Unfortunately almost every public event has been canceled in the City through April. This has allowed the Police Department to focus its efforts on providing unsurpassed policing services while protecting the entire community and all members of the Pasadena Police Department.
Paseo Colorado in Pasadena is empty after Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti orders restaurants and bars to close for the coronavirus lock down moratorium on Monday, March 16, 2020. (photo by James Carbone)
Have you been called to any super markets to deal with the crowds panic buying?
We have been alerted to the large, early morning crowds at stores and have been providing extra patrolling to all business in the event of any issues. Fortunately, there have not been any issues.
How can the community-at-large help you and their neighbors?
The best help our community can provide is to practice good social distancing etiquette. The goal is eliminate the COVID-19 virus and the way this occurs is to limit contact. If a person in the community is having flu-like symptoms, remember to isolate yourself and call the Pasadena Health Department. If the symptoms worsen, call for paramedics. Use available technology to keep in touch with friends and family members so that you do not feel isolated. Get outdoors and enjoy yourself….while maintaining a 6-ft distance from others.
Paseo Colorado in Pasadena is empty after Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti orders restaurants and bars to close for the coronavirus lock down moratorium on Monday, March 16, 2020. (photo by James Carbone)
Any words to share with the community?
The Pasadena Police Department asks that community members please continue to stay aware of updates from the City of Pasadena and we request the community to follow the Health Department’s precautionary measures to reduce potential exposures. We need the public’s support and we ask everyone to support one another through this critical period.
Shoppers at Trader Joe’s in Pasadena wear masks as they shop for supplies after Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti declares a coronavirus lock down moratorium on Monday, March 16, 2020. (photo by James Carbone)
