Illinois State Police adjusts to the coronavirus outbreak
This story was originally published by St. Louis Public Radio.
Policing continues in the outbreak but the department is changing how it functions for the foreseeable future. State facilities remain open, but are closed to the public as the department shifts to more tele-communicative work.
“Calls for service for a crime in progress have dropped in recent days which has been helpful so we can adjust to these circumstances,” said Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly.
The essential functions of the department, like providing background checks, investigating crimes and processing evidence, will continue. Investigative interviews have shifted to phone calls and other measures that ensure safe social distancing, Kelly said.
The department has also shifted its approach to on the ground police work in the state amid the outbreak.
“We have moved to a reactive patrol posture, similar to what we did during the polar vortex focusing on calls for assistance and also most importantly to prepare for the tasks ahead,” Kelly said. Those include transporting patients and medical personnel from hospitals and facilitating drive through tests facilities that will pop up across the state.
Kelly also addressed Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s orders to close restaurants and bars and limit gatherings of people over 10.
“Those orders are not complete closures, but limitations on dine-in services and size which shall be enforced under state law and by all law enforcement and health officials,” he said.
Kelly added a warning for restaurants or bars who are considering breaking the rules. He said they could lose their liquor license, operational permit from a local health department, business license or be court ordered to completely close by the department of public health.
“If you have any respect for your fellow citizens, if you have any respect for your loved ones or respect for yourself, you won’t put us in the position of having to enforce these very medically necessary provisions,” he said.
This story was originally published March 20, 2020 at 2:19 PM.
