Full Notification

To the Danville Community,
 
I am reaching out to you today to appeal to our shared sense of community here in Danville.  In this challenging time I’m comforted by knowing that we are a resilient and resourceful community with the ability to band together in times of need
 
It is that sense of community that prompts me to reach out today.  Since Monday, we’ve been receiving several calls a day reporting people and businesses that are violating the Contra Costa County Health Services Order to shelter in place and only travel when necessary.  Many non-essential businesses are choosing to continue to operate and do so in ways that are clearly placing people at risk by gathering, working in close groups, and having frequent physical contact with one another. 
 
Reports received by the Police Department include small gyms continuing to operate, hairdressers continuing to see clients, and parents having social gatherings with multiple children in parks and play areas.  Our officers do their best to practice social distancing while keeping everyone safe.  We have been attempting to make contact with violators followed by visiting them if our educational calls don’t work.  Sending officers to make personal contact is something that we are trying to avoid as it puts both them and the rest of the community at risk. 
 
Ignoring the shelter order poses an extreme risk for transmission of the Covid-19 virus.  Health agencies nationwide are gearing up for a potential surge in Covid-19 cases that necessitate a hospital bed, or worse, a ventilator.  A potential surge could overwhelm our health services infrastructure, putting more lives at risk.  My role as chief, and our role as a police department, is to see to the safety and well-being of our community. I would be remiss in that duty if I did not reach out to you all and ask that you work within the parameters of the shelter order. 
 
Our first responders don’t have the option of sheltering in place. They are tasked with coming to work each day and keeping the town safe.    However, some of those who do have a choice are choosing to continue with activities that put them in close personal contact with many people throughout the day. In doing so, they put everyone at risk. Necessary interactions such as going to the grocery store must go on, but we are asking that you limit it to those, and postpone playdates, dinner parties, and the like.
 
My primary objective during this health crisis is to keep and maintain a healthy police force so we can continue to safeguard this community and provide the high level of service you have come to expect from us.  I put it to those who continue to violate the Health Officer’s order to ask themselves if they are doing the best they can to help keep our community and our first responders safe.  Let’s   work together to get through this while keeping Danville a safe and great community to live and raise a family.
 
Thank you and stay healthy,
 
Chief Allan Shields
Danville Police Department