The NLCRPD is currently responding to all calls for service and will continue to respond in-person to calls where there are life safety issues or if the call for service cannot be handled over the phone . In an effort to maintain essential public safety functions, and keep personnel and members of the community safe, the Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department (NLCRPD) is implementing a few options for call response and reporting that will help it adhere to the recommendations from the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines regarding social distancing.

The NLCRPD is currently responding to all calls for service and will continue to respond in-person to calls where there are life safety issues or if the call for service cannot be handled over the phone. All criminal investigations will continue. In addition, the NLCRPD is actively conducting daily telephone conference update and situation briefings with our key first responder stakeholders from the NLCRPD jurisdiction member Emergency Management Agency (EMS), Emergency Medical Services Providers (EMS), and Borough & Township Managers, and Public Works. This team-based coordination assures the highest levels of coordination of services for the community.

Given the current CDC recommendations, and concerns about the spread of the COVID-19 virus, here are some of the measures that are being or already implemented:

• NLCRPD has updated all written directives governing agency response to Pandemic influenza or siminal health emergencies and posted the directive on nlcrpd.org

• NLCRPD has purchased handheld “no contact” thermometers and issued these devices to patrol officers, as equipment in several police vehicles for screening of persons in custody for arrest processing. Persons exhibiting characteristics or fever (over 100.7 degrees) will be subject to the normal requirements for medical evaluation in line with agency policy for ill or injured persons in custody. This measure is designed only to be a proactive measure and not intended to be used for any other purpose beyond mitigation of exposure.

• When possible, officers will be contacting members of the public or doing follow-up by telephone.

• Citizens are encouraged to use telephone reporting. rather than going to NLCRPD Headquarters or sub-stations to file reports. Telephone reports may be made by calling (717) 733-0965, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (excluding holidays).

• All ride-a-longs, internships, or other similar non-essential programs are being suspended.

• NLCRPD has suspended agency response requirements to routine EMS related calls for service.

• Community rooms at NLCRPD police facilities will be closed for public gatherings or other meetings

• Police attendance at public events or public meetings will also be canceled and rescheduled for a later date once the social distancing recommendations by the PADOH or CDC are lifted.

• NLCRPD is advising community members that there will be no fingerprinting for employment applications, adoption purposes, or other non-criminal justice compliance fingerprinting until such time as PADOH and CDC advisories are lifted.

• The NLCRPD is also planning for the possibility that staffing may be impacted if personnel become ill. The NLCRPD has developed plans to keep patrol functions as a top priority to maintain the ability to be responsive for emergency calls for service should this occur.

• The NLCRPD has increased cleaning of its workspaces, vehicles and other equipment, to protect staff and members of the public

• Agency members have personal protective equipment (PPE) available for use as necessary.