Complete Annual Report 2020 - English - Flipbook - Page 9
COVID-19
Pandemic Response
The month of March, 2020, saw significant changes to the world as we know it. For police departments across the
country this was the beginning of a challenging time, filled with uncertainty. From the beginning of the pandemic
until now, it has been the priority of the Hartford Police Department to keep our employees and our community
as safe as possible. Operations were adjusted to limit person-to-person contact when possible, while continuing to
provide vital public safety functions.
The Department limited the number of arrested individuals brought into the Detention Division, implemented a
freeze on employee travel and outside training, paused some non-essential police services and closed areas of the
lobby to the public. Officers were instructed on how to handle calls for service in this new environment and an
effort was made to handle less-serious complaints by phone. Although Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was
in high demand early in the pandemic, the Department was assisted by other City of Hartford departments and
the State of Connecticut to secure much needed supplies for officers. Hand sanitizer was distributed, temperature
checks were implemented, and sanitizing of department vehicles was performed with the assistance of the Department of Public Works (DPW).
The women and men of the Hartford Police Department played an
important role in COVID-19 testing and vaccination events.
INSIGHTS
Throughout the pandemic Hartford Police Officers have worked hard to provide necessary services which keep
our community safe. Officers routinely put their own health at risk to get the job done and showed determination,
resiliency, and pride in their work.
During 2021, COVID-19 vaccination opportunities have been made available to all Hartford Police officers. With
Connecticut recording over 270,000 cases and nearly 7,500 COVID-19-Associated deaths, the pandemic has had
a profound impact on us all. As we begin to turn the corner on the pandemic, the Hartford Police Department will
remain dedicated in our service to the Community.
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