DPD takes actions to curb COVID-19 spread

Demopolis Police Chief Rex Flowers announced changes the department is taking to protect citizens and employees against the evolving Coronavirus threat.

“During this time we will continue to provide core services to citizens by responding to calls for service, taking reports, working traffic accidents and protecting our community,” he said. To minimize community spread of the virus, however, changes are being implemented until further notice.

1. Emergency Calls for Service – Demopolis Police will continue to respond to all emergency calls for service.
2. Non-Emergency Calls for Service – “We are in the process of reducing a physical response to certain to non-emergency calls in certain circumstances,” Flowers said. Many police reports and non-emergency calls can be handled by calling the non-emergency number (334) 289-3073. The Marengo County E911 dispatch center can take information and have an officer call. Officers will still respond to take reports if the circumstances deem it necessary.
3. Records requests — At this time citizen request for records, wreck reports and payment of fines or any other related court operations are being processed by practicing “social distancing.”
4. Fingerprinting — All applicant fingerprinting services are suspended until further notice.
5. Officers Response to calls — Officers have been instructed to take additional steps to promote “social distancing.” If officers respond to a call for service, the caller may be asked to step outside to speak with them. They may stand a greater distance than normal to ensure continuing quality service to all of Demopolis’ citizens.
6. Demopolis Animal Control – The Demopolis Animal Control will be closed for normal business. A Certified Animal Control Officer will be on-call to handle these situations or emergencies. To report a problem, call the Marengo County E911 Dispatch center at (334) 289-3072 or (334) 289-3073 to request assistance.
7. Flowers is asking all citizens to refrain from coming to the Police Department, especially “if you are running or have been running fever or have any other symptoms.”

He continued, “We are taking these measures to protect the health and safety of our officers and employees. We need to maintain a functioning healthy police department to respond to emergency calls and protect our citizens.”