"To enhance social distancing and keep our personnel
and the public safe and healthy, we will begin collecting information via
telephone for incidents that do not require an in-person response from a
trooper," said Colonel Evanchick. "This change affects only a limited
number of call types, and the public can be confident that the PSP has the
personnel, equipment, and plans in place to respond to emergencies and other
critical incidents."
Call types eligible for a modified response include lost and
found items, littering, identity theft, and general requests to speak to a
trooper. While limiting in-person contact and collecting as much information
via telephone is the goal, the actual response will be based on the totality of
the circumstances of each unique situation in consultation with a supervisor on
duty. State police response protocol to emergencies and crimes in progress
remains unchanged.
The department asks the public to be mindful of social
distancing if they need to visit their local PSP station. Signs have been
posted at each entrance instructing visitors not to enter the facility if they
are experiencing symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has
tested positive for COVID-19. Instead, they are instructed to contact the
station by phone to speak to a trooper who may come outside to resolve the
situation one-on-one if needed.
"Our facilities remain open as a public resource 24
hours a day, seven days a week," said Colonel Evanchick. "Essential
personnel remain ready to assist as needed during this unprecedented public
health crisis, and we appreciate the public's continued support."