DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF)-The Dallas Police Department confirms one of its officers tested positive for COVID-19. Police say it was an officer working out of Northeast Patrol and has been isolated and is currently doing well. Three coworkers, who met the definition of close contact, are currently quarantined as a precaution. The police department is working with the Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services on any other necessary steps that may need to be taken. In the meantime, one of the city’s contractors has been notified and began sanitizing the building for the well-being of all officers currently utilizing that space at Northeast. DPD’s Chief Medical Officer, Alex Eastman is working closely and providing guidance to those officers who could have potentially come in contact and may have been exposed to the officer in question.
All possible measures are being taken to protect the officers and mitigate the spread of the virus. DPD has issued 3,200 bottles of 60% or more alcohol-based hand sanitizer as well as 6,000 boxes of gloves. Cleaning and sanitizing measures, particularly in common areas such as main entrances, restrooms, elevators, have been increased. Officers have also been given commercial cleaning and sanitizing products for their vehicles.
Mike Mata President of the Dallas Police Officers Association says as more tests are given, the likelihood of more positive cases within the department is expected but they are prepared to handle these situations. “This is very fluid,” Mata said. “We have a very vibrant department right now and we can move officers form non patrol related units and divisions to help supplement officers who may have to be quarantined or do become ill,” said Mata.
Mata ensures the public that the police department will still do their job to serve and protect. “This in no way is going to prevent us from doing our jobs. I say this with 100% certainty to the citizens of Dallas, we will show up and do our jobs everyday to protect you,” said Mata.
Meantime, in an effort to maximize the safety of the community and officers during the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Dallas Police Department has implemented operational changes. These changes are intended to reflect the best practices put forth by the Centers for Disease Control to mitigate the disease impact while still maintaining public safety responsibilities.
- Between the hours of 8:00AM-5:00PM, the front doors of Jack Evans Headquarters will remain open, and visitors will be screened at the window located at the front desk in the corridor. If a report is required and can be completed online, officers will provide the citizen with directions on how to access the online reporting system. If the visitors have an appointment, front desk personnel will notify the appropriate detective. The detective will come to the front desk and take the visitor from the lobby to the First Offender Room where the interview will be conducted. If the First Offender Room is being used, the detective will take the visitor to one of the tables in the Media Conference Room to conduct the interview. Detectives are encouraged to use DocuSign, telephone, and email as much as possible during this time to limit the number of visitors to Jack Evans Police Headquarters. Detectives will notify the front desk upon completion of the interview and building services will clean the interview area. Detectives need to come to the front desk to see availability before scheduling visitors.
- During the hours of 5:00PM-7:00AM, all visitor interaction will occur via the intercom outside of the front entrance door. Personnel will follow the same process as during regular business hours should there be a need for entrance into the building.
- DPD will also amend its sex offender registration procedures at Jack Evans Headquarters. Currently, detectives will ensure the information is accurate for all documented registered offenders who report for their mandatory check-in via a secured window. Offenders will no longer enter the secure work area.
- For New sex offenders that are registering for the first time, detectives will continue to fingerprint and enter their information into the database. However, detectives will take all necessary safety precautionary measures when fingerprinting offenders. This effort is to reduce the risk of exposure for the detectives and offenders.
