The Simi Valley Police Department would like to assure the public that our goal is to continue to deliver quality service while adapting to the challenges caused by the COVID-19 virus. Our goal is to maintain a healthy Police Department that is prepared to serve the community. We have updated several of our procedures based on best practices and guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control, California Department of Public Health Department, and Ventura County Public Health.
Here are some of the measures SVPD is taking to protect sworn members, professional staff, and the public from exposure:
• Sick employees are instructed to notify their supervisors, stay home, and not to come to work.
• Members are instructed to wash hands frequently with soap and water at least 20 seconds and/or utilize an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with greater than 60% alcohol content.
• SVPD vehicles are in the process of being stocked with an Infectious Control Kit (also known as Personal Protective Equipment or PPE). Included in the kit are items such as gloves, gown, and N-95 respirator, and eye protection.
• In instances when there is close contact with an individual suspected of having COVID-19, officers have the ability to utilize the PPE kit. Close contact is defined as being within six feet of an individual with COVID-19 or suspected COVID-19.
• We are being proactive in ensuring routine cleaning and disinfecting of the station and patrol vehicles.
SVPD will continue to respond to 9-1-1 emergency calls. Depending on how the crisis evolves, SVPD may consider modifying how it responds to non-emergency calls for service. The following operational changes have been made and are in effect until further notice:
• Effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020, the Police Station Lobby will be closed to public access. There is an intercom mounted adjacent to the lobby doors if emergency assistance is needed.
• Police Station tours have been cancelled
• Department ride-alongs have been cancelled
• Citizens Police Academy has been cancelled
• Police Explorer activities have been cancelled
• All Neighborhood Watch and community meetings have been cancelled
Additional Information:
We encourage our residents to utilize the Citizens Online Police Reporting System. Please visit the SVPD website: https://www.simivalley.org/departments/police-department/file-an-online-report. For information regarding police services call (805) 583-6950.
For up-to-date information about Ventura County’s response to COVID-19 virus visit: vcemergency.org
For updates specific to the City of Simi Valley visit: www.simivalley.org.
In closing, we would like to thank our residents for patience and continued support. Please continue to stay aware of updates on the VC Emergency website and follow the precautionary measures to reduce potential exposures.
Commander Steve Shorts
Public Relations Bureau
Media Contact: (805) 501-3070
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