Page 31 - March April 2020 TPA

voluntarily comply. Recently in Kentucky, an
individual who tested positive for COVID-19
Law was ordered to self-quarantine but ignored the
order. The governor called on law enforcement
enforcement personnel to be stationed outside the person’s
home for the duration of the quarantine order.
officers can In New Jersey, a woman gave the hospital a
fake name and address and left after testing
be a vital positive for the virus. She was later found by
law enforcement. In situations where people
resource to the violate orders, law enforcement officers play a
key role in mitigating public health threats. Law
public during enforcement officers can help the public and
hopefully curb violators by communicating the
situations of seriousness of quarantine orders.

panic and
Crowd + Riot Control:
chaos by During a pandemic situation, public health

officials at all levels (local, state, federal)
managing may seek assistance from law enforcement
agencies in enforcing the rule of law. Law
public fear enforcement officers can be a vital resource
to the public during situations of panic and
through calm chaos by managing public fear through calm

and accurate information sharing. Officers
and accurate may possibly need to help with crowd and

riot control during tense pandemic situations.
information Another important duty law enforcement
officers may be asked to perform is protecting
sharing. hospitals, medical supplies, and medications

which are crucial during these times, but often
in short supply. Resources and medications may
be rationed during a pandemic, contributing to
public frustration. Pandemics can last for many
months, and as they stretch longer and longer,
the public may become dissatisfied with public
health management, leading to unrest. As the
pandemic goes on, dwindling supplies, increasing
infection rates, and forced social distancing will
take their toll on the public. Demonstrations and
protests will inevitably become more aggressive
and intense. Once peaceful demonstrations will
become violent as people take out their anger
on the perceived sources of problems such as
medical facilities, government buildings, and
sources of vital supplies.

24 www.texaspoliceassociation.com • (512) 458-3140 Texas Police Journal