Recently the NLCRPD was contacted by a citizen who was a COVID 19 survivor who was inquiring as to the reasons police are not enforcing the Executive Orders surrounding the COVID 19 Masking and Social Distancing requirements.

In general, the NLCRPD is not enforcing any aspects of the Executive Order issued by Commonwealth Offices under the Jurisdiction of the Governor. Enforcing public health mandates places police officers in a challenging position. This is especially difficult when these mandates are unclear or vague. In such instances, police are expected to interpret the orders and enforce them. This enforcement is affected by many variables including the statutory basis, and the guidance from the Office of the District Attorney.

Making the matter even more frustrating to the average citizen is the guidance reflected in many orders urging reporting of non-compliance to local law enforcement agencies. What follows is a likely scenario that escalates citizen frustration as voluntary compliance is seemingly eroding and the wrongful public perception that the police are taking a “do nothing” approach.

The NLCRPD takes each report seriously and adheres to the following process for handling such reports:
1- Upon receipt of reporting contact is made with the reporting party and when possible with these responsible for the non-compliant behaviors.
2- Educational and awareness level intervention by the NLCRPD to involved parties is the most desired outcome
3- Memorialization and incident reporting for statistical and records management best practices.
4- In the event of repeated or egregious violation a consultation and determinization is made with the Office of the District Attorney is conducted.
5- Based upon this determination the case may be suitable for legal intervention and prosecution. This is a rare occurrence based upon the current situation.

There are many uncertainties associated with the enforcement of the Executive Orders which is reflected by the desire of the NLCRPD not to squander the social and community policing capital gained by years of hard work in developing and strengthening the relationships among community stakeholders.