By Erica Thomas, managing editor
TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville Police Department made several changes to combat the spread of coronavirus.
Chief Eric Rush said his department is preparing to enforce a new order from the Jefferson County Health Department closing all non-essential businesses.
“If we receive complaints about possible violations of the health orders, we will respond and talk to the businesses,” said Rush. “We want to educate our community about the order. Enforcement action will be taken as a last resort.”
The police department is also increasing patrols in business-heavy areas.
“This will be preventative patrols,” said Rush. “Since they’re closed, they are all easy targets for burglaries.”
Inside their patrol vehicles, officers have access to gloves and hand sanitizer, as well as spray sanitizer.
As for the public, minor reports that do not require police presence can be made over the phone or in-person at the police department. There is a glass partition inside the police department lobby, where members of the public will be able to safely make reports.
“We’re doing this to protect our employees and the public,” said Rush.
Dispatchers will be available to provide guidance to anyone with questions about the safest way to file a report.
Rush said the police department and the jail will also be sanitized and incoming inmates will undergo temperature checks.
“All you can really do is try to lessen the risk,” said Rush.
To make a police report by phone, you can call (205) 655-2101. For emergencies call 911.
