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Palatka Police Department
With two confirmed COVID-19 cases in Putnam County as of Monday, local law enforcement officials are taking precautions to prevent deputies and officers from getting or spreading coronavirus.
The Palatka Police Department and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office closed their lobbies to the general public Wednesday. Business for both agencies, including requesting records and filing reports, will be conducted via phone and email for the foreseeable future.
“In fact, our main lobby is currently closed as a precaution for the safety and well-being of our staff and the public,” said Allison Waters-Merritt, the sheriff’s office spokeswoman. “However, that does not mean we are closed for business. Seriously, we will still be patrolling. We will still be making arrests. We will still be taking people to jail.”
The police department and the sheriff’s office have also canceled all ride-alongs until further notice. Capt. Matt Newcomb said the cancellation was done to ensure law enforcement officials maintain 6-feet of distance between themselves and people who could possibly be carrying coronavirus.
“If we did (ride-alongs) and we have someone who is infected, we’re just exposing the virus to another member of the community,” Newcomb said.
Newcomb said the police department gave all of its officers personal protection equipment, including face masks, gowns, gloves and respirators. Merritt-Waters said the sheriff’s office has done the same for its deputies.
“Realistically, our officers have access to this equipment at all times, but we’re just mandating that they use it now,” Newcomb said.
According to Newcomb, the police department has also required officers to clean their cars after every transport to and from the Putnam County Jail.
According to Waters-Merritt, the jail did not allow face-to-face visitation prior to the pandemic and will continue to conduct all visits virtually. She said deputies are checking the temperatures of everyone before they enter the building.
“Our first priority is the safety of our community,” Waters-Merritt said. “We will carry on.”
Both agencies warned Putnam County residents to be aware of people who may pose as public health officials to rob them.
According to the Palatka Police Department, groups of people in South Florida are posing as members of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to gain entry to people’s homes. Waters-Merritt said all health officials will have identification and people should report suspicious activity to the sheriff’s office or the Putnam County Emergency Operations Center.
To contact the Palatka Police Department, call 329-0115.
To contact the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, call 329-0800.
To contact the Putnam County Emergency Operations Center, call 329-1904.