Herndon Police Department Scales Back Service to Slow COVID-19 Spread

The Herndon Police Department is scaling back some services in order to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Although all officers will continue to respond to emergencies, the police department plans to take some police reports over the phone. Officers may take reports and conduct follow-ups over the phone for non-emergency situations.

“It is HPD’s hope that by adopting these practices, we can do our part to slow the spread of this virus and protect the health of our officers and our community,” HPD wrote in a statement on Tuesday (March 17).

Here’s more from the statement:

At the Herndon Police Department, the safety of our community is our top priority. Part of preserving the public safety of our community means promoting public health. But like everyone else, we are faced with making adjustments to the manner in which we carry out our duties due to the onset of COVID-19.

Following the recommendations from the CDC, Virginia Department of Health, and Fairfax County Health Department, HPD is working to slow the spread of COVID-19 by practicing social distancing, while still providing a proper level of service to the community.

For non-emergency services, residents can call 703-435-6846.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the Fairfax Health District has 12 presumptive cases of the respiratory disease. The Fairfax County General District Court that’s held in the town on Wednesdays is also closed. It’s expected to open on April 22.