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DHS Release: COVID-19 Law Enforcement Exposure and Risk Mitigation – Best Practices Resource Guide

April 9, 2020

Law Enforcement Administrators, Leadership, Officers, and Civilian Staff

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office for State and Local Law Enforcement (OSLLE) facilitated the creation of the COVID-19 Exposure and Risk Mitigation Best Practices Resource Guide. Dr. Alexander Eastman, MD, MPH, FACS, FAEMS of The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) provided his medical opinion and reviewed all resources located within the document. The COVID-19 Exposure and Risk Mitigation Best Practices Resource Guide is a needed response to address many of law enforcements concerns and requests for risk mitigation resources. OSLLE hopes that these best practices provide guidance to ensure a strong public safety response and support all officer’s health and well-being.

The COVID-19 Exposure and Risk Mitigation Best Practices Resource Guide covers four (4) main topic areas:

  1. Exposure Levels and Risk Assessment
  2. Personal Protective Equipment for Law Enforcement
  3. Mitigating Risk Through Altered Tactics and Procedures
  4. Exposure Guidance and Decision-Making Tools

 

Special Thank You to Law Enforcement and Those that Support Them

The Office for State and Local Law Enforcement (OSLLE) wants to thank all of the individual law enforcement personnel for your critical efforts to protect our communities, particularly during this ongoing pandemic. COVID-19 has thrust our communities into unknown territory, and we recognize this may be a frightening time for many law enforcement personnel and their families. Officers are encountering community members at a heightened state of anxiety, which can make their daily jobs even more dangerous. In addition, many within your agencies and their families may be suffering substantial changes in health status and/or financial difficulty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our greatest sympathies go out to all of you who are and may be impacted. 

OSLLE will continue to place its full weight and resources behind our response to COVID-19. From organizing informational calls, publicizing real-time critical information, and acting as advocates for your needs, OSLLE is assisting in driving a federal, state, and local collaborative response to prioritize the health and safety of our law enforcement partners. 

We applaud your efforts to fight for, care for, and empower your communities. Law enforcements continued contribution to the safety and protection of our Nation is paramount, particularly during this unprecedented situation, and is a testament to their true patriotism.

Our hope at OSLLE and across the Federal Government is that our law enforcement community is supported and resourced during these difficult times. We are on your side!

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