Hampton Police Chief gives insight to how COVID-19 has changed policing procedures

Hampton Police Chief Robert Schaefer and the department have approached the unusual circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic with a sense of stern understanding.

With new regulations in place regarding gathering sizes (no more than 10 people) and business operations, Schaefer said officers are on the lookout for people who may need a reminder of the rules.

“As far as the enforcement, what she (Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds) put in place with no groups bigger than 10 people, you have to use common sense,” he said. “You go and tell someone the first that they can’t be out doing this and if they don’t comply, we’ll write a citation.”

Under Iowa Code 135.35, a violation of these orders carries a simple misdemeanor and a fine plus surcharges.

Schaefer added that officers are willing to give warnings first, as the new regulations have caused adjustments for virtually everyone, including department employees.

“Pretty much the ones that have violated it, we’ve given a verbal warning,” he said. “Most of them are confused by some of the orders and when we try to clarify it for them, they’ve cooperated.”

On the officers’ own adjustments, Schaefer said the department has adopted great attention towards sanitation. Officers are to wipe down the interior of the vehicle they will use before and after their shifts. Officers also wash their hands or use hand sanitizer whenever possible and necessary. Any officer feeling ill is asked to take their temperature and monitor their health.

Practices to deal with calls and cases have been changed as well to protect both the officer and the civilian. Schaefer said, when possible, calls are handled over the phone but officers will respond in person if necessary.

“If we have to meet, we will knock on the door and ask them to come outside in an open area,” he said. “If it’s cold like the last few days have been, we’ll ask them to step into a garage to talk.”

People who need to be fingerprinted will be given a mask, and the officer administering the fingerprint will be masked as well.

As far as patrolling and responding to calls, Schaefer said it appears that crime-related calls have dropped slightly. One area he’s noticed a decrease in calls is domestic situations. While people still travel to stores and other businesses, Schaefer said that has allowed people living with one another to put some distance between each other.

“We’re one of five states that aren’t in a shelter in place at home, so people are able to go and get out and not have to be inside,” he said. “The governor has touch on that part of the reason she hasn’t done shelter in place is mental health.

“That’s partially why we’re seeing that (low domestic calls) in Iowa or Hampton,” he added. “You’re not locked in the house. They’re asking you to stay in and don’t go out, but they’re not telling you you have to.”

He said that resources do still exist for those who many be experiencing a mental health issue and need help. The CIC crisis line is available 24 hours at 844-258-8858 and the Foundation 2 Crisis Chat, a texting service, can be reached at 800-332-4424. Hours for the Foundation 2 Crisis are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Schaefer said he encourages all Hampton citizens to heed the Governor’s guidelines and to continue to take care of themselves and others. By observing social distancing guidelines and staying inside, Schaefer said individuals stay healthy while preventing the spread of the disease to others.

“A lot of people don’t think this is any big deal, but if you see people dying from this and the way that they’re dying, you’ll know that if you don’t have to go out, don’t,” he said. “Try to make fewer trips, stay six feet from people and if you think you can be a carrier, where a mask or stay inside.”