Coronavirus Won't Change How Orland Park Police Handle Crime

ORLAND PARK, IL — The village of Orland Park will begin providing daily updates on the new coronavirus pandemic as it relates to the local level. Mayor Keith Pekau said he will make sure the community stays informed on the topic.

On Thursday, he confirmed both the Orland Park Police Department and Orland Fire Protection District will operate in the same manner they always have.

This comes two days after officials in nearby Oak Forest said police will no longer respond to "low-level" crimes as a way to protect their officers from the spread of the virus.

That's not in the plans in Orland, however.

“Police service will not be affected at all,” Police Chief Tim McCarthy said. “We are healthy, fully staffed and well equipped to handle any circumstance or situation that comes our way.”

Fire Chief Michael Schofield said the same.

“I assure you that the Orland Park Fire Protection District remains here to serve during the outbreak just as effectively and thoroughly as we were prior to the onset.”

Pekau said residents and business owners can ask their questions about the coronavirus and how it relates to Orland Park by emailing publicinfooffice@orlandpark.org.

He said a special media is planned for Saturday, when measures could be implemented to help residents and business owners.