News Flash

911 Calls for Service – COVID-19

In light of continued concerns related to the Coronavirus outbreak across our state, the Durham Police Department has initiated new protocols and procedures for DPD officers who are on the frontlines responding to 911 calls for service.

“It is our responsibility as first responders to maintain a healthy workforce while we continue to serve our community at large, despite the unprecedented challenges COVID19 has presented. Keeping everyone safe is a top priority throughout the Durham Police Department. For these reasons, we are taking extra precautions to reduce person to person contact while fulfilling our commitment to public safety,” said Chief C.J. Davis.

DPD officers will no longer be dispatched to non-violent calls which only require an officer to take an after-incident report. These reports will be taken over the phone. Examples include, officers meeting with store owners after a suspect has shoplifted and the suspect is no longer a threat and/or on the scene.

Other examples include less serious incidents where there are NO suspects on the scene and there are NO crimes in progress such as: 

·       To complete a report after a larceny is committed 

·       To complete a report after shoplifting has occurred at a business and NO suspect(s) is (are) on the    scene

·       To complete a report for fraud

·       Calls for police advice

        To complete a report for damage to property

·       To complete a report for lost property

All future calls to 911 for the above mentioned incidents will be forwarded to an on duty officer, who will take the victim’s report over the phone or direct them to the DPD website where they can file their report electronically. 

The Durham Police Department is working hard to protect all members of our community while reducing the spread of COVID-19. 

The Durham Police Department encourages all members of our community to take personal responsibility in following the recommendations of the CDC, the Governor and our Mayor in order to keep the Bull City safe and healthy.