Watertown Police Shift Procedures Amid Coronavirus Concern

WATERTOWN, MA — Police in Watertown announced in a release Monday they are changing the way they do business — at least until the spread of the new coronavirus slows down.

According to the department, a new policy requires officers to inquire about health and wellness before entering someone's home, allows officers to file reports over the phone and asks residents to avoid the lobby of the police station unless an emergency is occurring.

Police said officers will still respond to all 911 calls in-person. But, before entering the home or business they're called to, officers might ask illness-related questions to ensure the environment is safe for them and others.

Police have also asked citizens to avoid going into the lobby of the police department unless there is an emergency. Authorities ask those planning to visit the police station to make a report to call ahead before arriving.

Starting Monday, residents can call 617-972-6500 to file police reports over the phone. Only situations that do not require a physical response from can be reported over the phone. Examples include:

• Issues with neighbors or civil matters
• Credit card fraud or identification issues
• Vandalism
• Animal calls
• Minor incidents from the past

The department also announced it is suspending several ongoing programs to help prevent the spread of illness:

• Prescription drop box
• Public use of the community room
• Fingerprint requests
• New LTC/FID application processing
• In-person records requests (requests are still accepted online and my phone)

Watertown isn't the only Massachusetts police department implementing such measures. In a Twitter post Saturday, Brookline police announced the department is now taking some non-emergency reports over the phone.

Further, the department said callers who request to speak with an officer in-person will be asked to meet the officer outside of their home or business and to maintain social distancing.

Read more: MA Coronavirus: Cases Spike, Construction Pauses, MBTA Slows

The total number of COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts rose to 197 as of Monday afternoon. As cases counts continue to rise, Governor Charlie Baker issued an emergency order Sunday in an attempt to prevent the spread of the virus.

Baker's emergency order limits gatherings to 25 people. The order also prohibits people from eating or drinking while premises at a restaurant or bar. The mandate will continue through at least April 6.

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— Watertown Police (@WatertownPD) March 16, 2020