There are 60 officers and detectives working out of the North District Police station. I could not be more proud of their dedication and commitment to the Northside community. The pandemic has changed all of our lives.

Officers begin each shift decontaminating their shared squad cars by spraying the interior with a hydrogen peroxide solution. They end their shifts again decontaminating their squads, cleaning their half-faced respirators and spraying down the other equipment they wear. We have been fortunate to have adequate supplies of personal protective equipment.

There are no longer any “routine calls for service.” Officers attempt to investigate some calls for service by first making phone contact, if appropriate. Most calls for service do not allow officers to maintain social distancing. Although the overall number of calls for service has decreased, the types of calls are extremely challenging. There has been an increase in domestic disputes, drug overdoses and persons in mental health crisis.

There has been an increase in burglary, stolen cars and thefts from vehicles. We remind residents to lock your doors at all times, keep garage doors closed, lock your car, and do not keep keys or anything of value in your vehicle.

Thank you for your support of health care workers, first responders, workers in grocery stores, pharmacies and other businesses, as well as city, county and state workers and other service providers. Be kind and please take care of yourselves and your neighbors.