FORT WORTH (WBAP/KLIF)- Now that two Fort Worth officers have tested positive for COVID-19, the police department has changed many safety protocols to ensure the safety of officers and the community.
“While respecting their privacy, we can confirm that both officers work in the same unit and had limited close contact with others while at work,” FWPD said in a statement. “We have staff backtracking the movements and encounters of these officers with others, and they are notifying anyone that may be at risk and needs to self-isolate. We are also disinfecting the office spaces where they worked.”
Manny Ramirez, President of the Fort Worth Police Officers Association said they are no longer doing roll call in large gatherings and are required to wear gloves and masks while out in the field. “All of our business models have changed…during traffic stops officers are standing further back and making sure they’re not getting within that 6 foot distance if they can help it,” said Ramirez.
He said officers are asked to wipe down the inside of their patrol cars and frequent station cleaning is also in effect.
“We are planning for 4-6 weeks down the road, even further, forecasting what it could look like if we had a situation like New York or Chicago where there was a large influx of officers getting ill. We do have plans in place to make sure we backfill,” said Ramirez.
Ramirez said a lot has changed and it’s been awkward for some officers to adjust but it’s crucial to follow these new protocols to protect not only the department but the community.
Hear Kat Boonzaier’s stories here: