03/21/2020
The Flora Police Department is asking for your cooperation and assistance as we work together to keep our community and our employees safe. As you know, the COVID-19 virus is bringing new challenges for everyone in our community, and it is our duty to make sure that you still have a dispatcher and an officer available to respond to your calls.
In our profession, “social distancing” is not always an option, but we must make every effort to incorporate “social distancing” for the foreseeable future. During this trying time, we ask that you assist us in the following ways:
• Instead of coming to the police department in person, first contact us via telephone at (618) 662-9111. If our officers determine they need to speak with you in person, they will make appropriate arrangements with you.
• If our staff has determined that you must come to the police department, an officer or dispatcher will speak with you through the window. This is for your protection, the protection of our officers, and the protection of our community. Our officers are in contact with multiple individuals hourly, and to best protect your health, we must again incorporate “social distancing” if and when possible.
• If an officer needs to respond to your residence, they will do their best to keep their distance, depending upon the situation. Please note, our officers may be wearing gloves or other personal protective equipment when they arrive. Our intention is never to appear disrespectful. We simply must prioritize the health and safety of our officers so that we may continue serving our community.
We will, of course, continue to patrol our community and respond to incoming calls. Even in these trying times, a crime is still a crime, and the safety of our community and its citizens is still our top priority. Arrests will be made accordingly. However, we’ll be happy to provide you with complimentary hand sanitizer during your booking procedure!
Regardless of individual opinions on the current situation, we share a moral and ethical obligation to our employees and our community, and we must do everything in our power to protect the health and safety of others. We appreciate your understanding and assistance as we incorporate these new safety measures!
Thank you,
Chief Guye Durre
