Police Division

April 1st COV-19 Press Release

As we all continue our response to the Covid-19 Virus, the Norfolk Police Division recognizes the need
to adjust our practices to protect both the citizens and our staff. We will continue to provide services to
protect our community, but have, and will continue to adjust the way we work to benefit everyone.
When the pandemic began, Norfolk Police implemented the following protocols:
- All staff was provided information on signs, symptoms and precautions to take.
- Dispatch began screening calls for risk factors to allow police and fire to respond
appropriately to the new risks.
- Basic Person Protective Equipment (PPE) was inventoried and distributed to staff.
- The employee areas of the facility were restricted to employees, which temporarily
suspended activities like tours and ride-a-longs.
- The public lobbies are being sanitized multiple times a day.
- Patrol is doing their best to implement social distancing while dealing with the public
when possible.
- Officers are aware businesses may have unusual hours and have been directed to
increase focus on building checks.
We have been working closely with the health department and other agencies to stay current on the
quickly changing situation, causing our protocols to continually evolve. Now that the Directed Health
Measures (DHM) have been implemented for our area, we will be enhancing our response and
responsibilities. Since law enforcement is responsible for enforcing the DHMs, we are asking citizens
to be aware of their responsibilities.
The DHM can be reviewed at the Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department website:
https://elvphd.org/. The 4 main items mandated by the DHM are:
1. Quarantine of potential Covid-19 patients or those exposed to patients.
2. No more than 10 people at public gatherings with some exceptions.
3. Bars and restaurants are closed to dine in but allowed and encouraged to provide carryout
service.
4. Prohibition on elective surgeries.
Due to the DHM, Norfolk Police will further adjust our protocols to include:
- Expanded screening by dispatchers on most calls requesting police or rescue.
Service ~ Honor ~ Commitment
- The dispatcher will take your information and dispatch an officer. If not an emergency,
the officer will call you to determine if it is best to meet at the scene, at the police station,
or at another location for the health and safety of everyone.
- Staff will increase their use of PPE on day to day activities.
- We will respond to DHM concerns and take appropriate enforcement action.
- While parks remain open, gatherings of 10 or more will not be allowed.
- Playground equipment will be closed due to the inability to sanitize it properly, and the
public is asked to voluntarily comply.
There has been unpresented adjustments to deal with the Pandemic. This includes Governor Ricketts
issuing an executive order allowing alcohol sales along with the curbside or drive through services.
Please understand this applies to the SALE ONLY. It is still a violation to open the container or
consume alcohol on public property. We encourage you to make your purchase and bring it home for
consumption.
While we all work together to get through this, our officers will be out serving the community for the
duration of this pandemic. Citizen compliance is critical to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and prevent
the need for law enforcement intervention.
Stay safe and healthy!