McCaysville police modify operations

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  • The News Observer
    The News Observer
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The City of McCaysville Police Department has made temporary modifications to their department, including closing their office’s lobby, in response to COVID-19.

“Our city, thus far, has been fortunate and has been relatively untouched by the illness,” Police Chief Michael Earley said. “However, in the face of grave information from the CDC (Center for Disease Control), federal officials, and the healthcare professionals regarding the spread and mortality rates in certain marginal groups, your police department will not stand idle. In order to maintain an operational and healthy police force, our department will be altering some of our day to day activities.”

Officers have been instructed to avoid certain courtesies, such as shaking hands, during citizen encounters. They have also been instructed to limit casual interactions with the public. 

“This is not to encourage rudeness, but to limit the mediums of contact most likely to spread the virus,” Earley said. “In the performance of law enforcement duties, officers may come into contact with affected persons, and by limiting contact with the public we will reduce the chance of exposing our citizens to an undue risk.”

According to Earley, all police department employees will be at work and continue their normal patrols. 

Due to the lobby closure, the department will no longer offer fingerprints services for alcohol employment permits. However, citizens are still be able to reach the department by phone at 706-492-4636. Citizens who need to file a report can do so by contacting 911.

Officers have been authorized to take certain non-emergency calls by phone. These calls include those in which no crime is in progress and where no evidence can be obtained, including misdemeanor thefts, incidents of fraud, medical calls, custody disputes, civil disputes and “Are you Okay?” checks.

Earley said these changes are temporary stating, “I cannot emphasize enough that these modifications in our operations are both temporary and essential to keeping the City of McCaysville safe. Please pray for the leaders of this nation, state, and local government. Pray that God will heal our people and we find a cure to prevent the spread of the virus.”