Elizabeth borough police chief lists COVID-19 plans

Elizabeth borough police Chief William H. Sombo announced operation procedure changes amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
He announced the following:
• Emergency calls: Dial 911 and report your call. Calls where an individual is in danger or in a life threatening situation, we will continue to answer and respond to the scene in the appropriate manor.
• Non-emergency calls: Dial 911 and request an officer return your call. Calls that can be handled by phone will be handled by an officer from the police station.
• Effective immediately, the police station/borough municipal building will be closed until further notice. Only if you are requested to come to the borough building by police will access be authorized.
• Request for reports/verification letters: The police department will honor requests for reports only after the proper Right-to-Know paperwork is filled out, properly submitted, reviewed, and then reports will be given out. There are fees for the reports. Only after the fee is paid will the report be mailed.
• Finger printing: All-finger-printing services are suspended until further notice.
• Police warning cards: Anyone issued a police warning notice for equipment violation, proof of driver’s license, proof of insurance and proof of registration is asked to call ahead to the police station, 412-384-4041 to make arrangements to come to the police station to make arrangements.
• Police officer contact: Officers are to keep a distance at a minimum of 6 feet if possible.
• Routine police patrols: Officers will continue to patrol and protect all the residents and visitors of Elizabeth and West Elizabeth boroughs. Officers will not be permitted to shake hands and will be required to keep their distance when possible, in order to protect themselves as well as the public.
• Physical arrests: This COVID-19 situation does not mean that there will be lawlessness, Sombo said. This COVID-19 situation does not mean that officer will not or cannot have physical contact in order to make an arrest if necessary.
• Town meeting canceled: A town meeting for the Quality-of-Life IPMC Ordinance has been canceled, and will be rescheduled at a later date.
“Be aware, for the safety of both the public and the police department personnel, there may be further modifications that may be implemented. The appropriate public announcement will be made at that time to inform the public,” Sombo said. “As chief of police, I want to thank everyone, please stay safe. I would also request that you be understanding during these troubling times.”