As I write this, several counties and a few states have implemented Draconian measures to halt the spread of the coronavirus (COVID19). Many law enforcement agencies have altered the way they work, including limiting public contact in non-urgent cases and having non critical employees work from home.
Cops Still Doing Proactive Work
But, amid this crisis, I have seen police officers doing proactive police work. I’ve talked to a few officers who are still out there working hard at making a dent in the drug trade by continuing to work street drug enforcement. I’m a proponent of proactive street enforcement. I was California’s Narcotics Officer of the year and worked decades of street drug enforcement. However, considering the recent pandemic, it’s time to slow it down.
Putting Yourself at Risk
Drug users and street-level drug dealers are at risk for contracting the coronavirus. Worse yet, street cops are contacting numerous people every day and can carry the virus -and spread it- for some time before symptoms develop. Until we can stop this pandemic, it is important for officers to lower their exposure to COVID19. You don’t do anyone any good by exposing yourself unnecessarily.
In my narcotics unit, we always let everyone know drug cases were never worth risking your life. It was something we said to slow everyone down and to get them to think of officer safety. Just a few days ago, we lost our first brother in blue to COVID19. Until this is over, it is time to stop working street drug cases. When it does finally end, start back up where you left off.
I know it is an unpopular statement to make. I did a lot of risky jobs during my 29 year career. Two things caused me serious harm during my career. One was contracting MRSA from a drug user that put me in the hospital for a week. The other was getting a virus from a heroin addict that caused me to have brain surgery to correct the damage. Both times I wish I had never stopped those people. If I had to do it all over again, I would not have. You will feel the same way if you get the coronavirus from a similar contact. Worse yet, what if you brought it home to your family?
