EPD Chief Watson shares some statistics since shelter in place order was issued

Good evening, Eureka.  I thought I'd give you a COVID-19 update before heading home for the evening.  On Thursday March 19, 2020, the Humboldt County Health Officer issued an enforceable Shelter in Place Order for all Humboldt County residents effective at midnight that date. 



I've previously messaged about this order but I know many are curious about the state of the city and the order's impact on Eureka Police Department operations.  Our crime analyst, Brittany Powell, examined the first 3 days post-order (Friday, March 20 - Sunday, March 22).  Here is what she found out:


• EPD's communications center, Records section and officers
        handled 726 total incidents - an overall increase compared
        to previous weekends due to a substantial increase in self-
        initiated officer activity.
• 378 officer-initiated incidents/actions - this represents an
        85% increase compared to previous weekends.  These
        were activities such as patrol and security checks, field
        interviews, and foot patrols made.  Officers conducted 102
        business security checks in one night alone!
• 348 calls for service (persons calling in to EPD to request
        assistance or report a crime or other issue - no significant
        difference compared to previous weekends
• Fire/Medical calls made up 9% of total incidents
• No significant change in number of theft related incidents

EPD’s communication center initially received a high influx of COVID-19/Shelter Order calls; however, this is calming down now.  Please DO NOT call 9-1-1 or our dispatch center for non-emergency shelter in place order questions or complaints. The city is tracking these for potential follow-up and they can be reported by calling 441-4144 or via the City’s website (click the Report an Issue link).

A few examples of calls specific to the sheltering in place order concerns: complaints of too many people shopping at Costco and walking at Sequoia Park, and guests refusing to leave a motel due to the shelter in place order.  We have also received many comments and messages on EPD Facebook relating to people not following orders.  Most of these just seem to be individuals unhappy or concerned that people are outside.

EPD’s preferred approach is education over enforcement with citations or arrest as a last resort.  We are partners in this crisis and need to work together.  People need to take COVID-19 with an appropriate balance of calm urgency.  This is a real crisis and social distancing/isolation through orders like this are a proven strategy to slow or stop the spread of the virus.  This isn’t just about an individual's personal risk and safety, but about protecting the most vulnerable among us.  If we all work together and do our part, we'll get through this sooner.

EPD is continuing to prioritize our time and activity to meet the evolving needs of the COVID-19 crisis, including increased proactive patrols of neighborhoods and businesses.  We have your back.

All the best,

Chief Steve Watson