LOUISVILLE, Ky., (WDRB) – Louisville Metro Police will no longer respond to several emergency situations, including some burglaries and speeding, according to Louisville Metro Police Chief Steve Conrad. Conrad said the department will take reports over the phone in many non-violent incidents, to protect officers and the public from spreading the coronavirus.
In addition, police will not be dispatched to public intoxication cases, speeding, illegal parking and loitering, among other incidents.
Conrad said the changes are being made "in the interest of focusing on making sure our officers are able to respond in an emergency situation or life is threatened and to keep them healthy."
The department hasn't seen any increase in officers out sick "with this particular illness," Conrad said, but attendance is being monitored as shifts begin.
Police headquarters, among other buildings, will be closed.
In addition, LMPD officers are no longer allowed to request vacation time.
In a memo written by Conrad on Monday, a “state of emergency” has been declared and only vacation requests already approved for this year will be allowed.
Conrad did not mention the memo at a press conference on Tuesday but said officers will get sick with the virus and the department is taking several precautions to ensure there is enough staffing.
He said he is moving personnel between divisions and using investigative staff to help patrol divisions "where absences are there."
In addition, Conrad said police will be limiting public access to headquarters, division stations and the city's impoundment lot. Visits to the lot and the LMPD property room will now be done by appointment, he said.
In a separate email sent by the assistant director of Louisville Metro Emergency Services as of 7 p.m. on Tuesday, police will not be responding to several types of events:
· Medical alarms, unless there is a known safety issue
· Non-injury accidents
· Hit-and-run accidents
· Disorderly persons
· Intoxicated persons
· Reckless drivers
Conrad did not mention all incidents police are currently not responding to during the press conference.
Well, this is interesting !!! I guess citizens in Louisville will be on their own. Wonder which city will be next ? Citizens of Louisville better be armed, and stocked up!
