Police in Michigan, one of the hardest-hit states in the coronavirus pandemic, are recalibrating how they uphold the law in an attempt to protect officers’ health.

In the Detroit suburb of Southfield, Police Chief Elvin Barren said his department has pared down arrests to just felonies, assaults and impaired driving — “things that affect public safety.” For misdemeanors, Barren’s department is leaning on noncustodial warrants that delay the justice process for alleged perpetrators.

Dispatchers are also screening callers for symptoms of covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, before officers respond to a scene, Barren said. Deputies are equipped with N95 face masks, face shields and gloves when they do need to interact with the public.

Crime in Southfield has decreased by nearly 21 percent compared to the same time last year, Barren said.

Calls for service have also declined in Oakland County, just northwest of Detroit, according to Sheriff Michael Bouchard. He said residents are calling his office to report violations of the governor’s stay-at-home order …continued .
[Source: Washington Post]