MINEOLA, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — Police on Long Island are adding new restrictions at their precincts, to protect officers from the surging coronavirus.
Nassau and Suffolk county police are urging people not to visit precincts unless it is an emergency.
In a statement, Suffolk police said “the department is encouraging people to not visit precincts unless critically necessary.” Precincts will still remain open for 24 hours, 7 days per week.
Nassau police say in areas where reports are taken, social distancing of more than six feet is mandatory. Accident reports can still be picked up in person, but only one person at a time.
There will be “limited public access” in the lobby of the Suffolk County department’s headquarters in Yaphank, officials said.
“Due to an increase in the COVID infection rate in communities across Suffolk County, the department is re-implementing protective measures that are designed to protect both the public and our employees,” Suffolk County Chief of Department Stuart Cameron said in a statement. “The department strives to maintain services utilizing alternatives to in person contact during this period and will resume normal operations when it is deemed safe to do so.”
In Nassau, precincts will also remain open all week long, but there will be a limit of just one person in the building at a time. There will also be a limit of one person per section at the Mineola headquarters.
In Nassau, accident reports and records can still be picked up in person and filed online.
Suffolk County police, however, say beginning next week, no forms will be available in person, only online. If a report cannot be filled online or by telephone, an officer will be dispatched to the location.
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