While many people are isolating themselves, the members of the Pequea Township Police Department (PTPD) are continuing to serve their community, albeit with a few modifications.
"As always, the PTPD strives to lead its community by example," PTPD Chief John Michener wrote in a post at https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/pequeatwp. "We have made the following changes to (promote) social distance as much as possible, the same as we ask everyone in the community, as we try and slow the spread of (novel) coronavirus."
Guests are restricted at the PTPD office, which is located in the township's municipal building, 1026 Millwood Road, Willow Street. All visitors will be met outside, and they will remain outside during the visit if possible.
PTPD officers will continue to conduct their normal, high-visibility roving and stationary patrols throughout the township. They will strive to remain as friendly and approachable as always; however, officers will remain at least 6 feet from others and will not shake hands, exchange high fives, or give hugs.
Officers will continue to respond to calls for service, and there will be no interruption of police service to the township. As circumstances merit, the officers will handle calls for service and the ensuing follow-ups via phone or email. If officers must respond to a location, they will conduct business outside, if possible.
"We ask that anyone calling 911 for any reason advise the dispatcher of anyone in the home who is ill or suspected to have (novel) coronavirus," Michener said. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and difficulty breathing.
"These are uncertain times, and we ask everyone to remain calm as we all work through this together," Michener commented. "Pequea Township is full of decent people, and now is the time we lean on each other - figuratively, not literally."
Michener asked that community members call elderly and ill neighbors, family, and friends to ensure that they are physically and mentally well. "We all need to work together for the betterment of everyone," he said, adding a request that residents monitor local media and heed all warnings issued by local, state, and federal agencies.
Adding a touch of his signature humor, Michener provided a special message to would-be criminals in the area. "We are asking that you strive to keep your criminal activity to a minimum during this time," he said. "Our officers will still be out and ready to arrest you, but we prefer not to risk contaminating ourselves and possibly taking it home to our families. Everyone is making sacrifices, and we ask that you do as well."
Readers may contact the PTPD by calling 717-945-7546. In the event of an emergency, they should call 911. Social media users may follow "Pequea Township Police Department" on Facebook or sign up for CrimeWatch alerts at https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com to stay up to date on PTPD news and procedures. "This is a fluid and ever-changing event," Michener said. "We will update as needed."
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