THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, March 27, 2020 Page 3 Police adapt to COVID-19 By Barbara Taormina T he novel coronavirus emergency has triggered some changes at both the Malden Police Department and Malden District Court. Chief Kevin Molis explained that social distancing has led to a new policy that allows minor crimes to be reported over the phone. The change will cut back the personal contact between the police and the public and reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Residents can report minor incidents, such as harassing phone calls, lost or stolen credit cards and cell phone and thefts from motor vehicles, by calling 781-391-7171 and following the prompts to speak with an offi cer. Police are no longer required to visit callers in their homes, and residents can report minor crimes without interacting with a police offi cer. A police report will still be written, but person-to-person contact will be minimized “This is something we’re doing to keep police offi cers safe and free them up for work associated with the current health crisis,” Molis explained in a public service announcement posted on the department’s Facebook page. Some of that additional work involves enforcing Governor Charlie Baker’s new emergency order prohibiting gatherings of 10 or more people. This week, Malden made what was described as a diffi cult decision and closed city parks until further notice. The city originally intended to keep the parks open for passive recreation, but offi cials said people were congregating and failing to practice social distancing, which requires residents to keep six feet of space between themselves and other people. “We looked at what was unfolding; it was an evolving situation,” said Molis during the city’s latest Coronavirus Update that was streamed live on Facebook Tuesday night. The parks were closed to help enforce the ban on small gatherings and prevent the potential spread of the virus. “We are not looking to become the social distancing police,” said Molis. “If we see a violation, it would probably involve a verbal interaction and a warning to maintain social distancing.” Molis said Malden Police continue to be fully engaged in their response to emergency calls. He mentioned a recent overdose that brought police, fi refi ghters and EMTs together to save a life. He also described a 911 call from someone who had fl ulike symptoms. He said he was awed by an EMT who put on a face mask and went in without hesitation to help someone he didn’t know. Molis also spoke briefl y about the impact the health crisis is having on the courts, which are closed to the public until at least April 6. Matters such as arraignments for new arrests, probation violations, search warrants, warrants for new arrests and mental health orders will be heard by the court’s presiding judge during video or telephone conferences. Molis stressed that help is still available for victims of domestic violence seeking restraining orders, protection orders and abuse or harassment prevention orders. “It’s something that can be done through the court sometimes over the phone with an advocate,” said Molis. “But I want to assure the public that their access to protection under the law is being addressed by the courts and the criminal justice system as best we can.” AUTOTECH 1989 SINCE Is your vehicle ready for the Spring Season?!! AC SPECIAL Recharge your vehicle's AC for the warm weather! Includes up to 1 LB. of Refrigerant* (*Most Vehicles/Some Restrictions May Apply) Only $69.95 DRIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT! CASH FOR YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV! 2008 CADILLAC DTS Platinum Package, Loaded, Excellent Condition, Warranty, Only 83K Miles! LUXURY PRICED RIGHT! $7,995 Easy Financing Available! Loaded with Leather Interior, Moon Roof, Only 106K Miles, Warranty! PRICED TO SELL! $4,995 781-321-8841 1236 EasternAve • Malden EddiesAutotech.com We Pay Cash For Your Vehicle! Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma $600 H2226_191016_032735_M UHCSCO_191016_032735 2011 MERCURY MILAN PREMIER to buy approved health items. Now available at Walmart. Are you 65 or older and have MassHealth and Original Medicare? Call today. 1-844-866-2944, TTY 711 Benefits and features vary by plan. Limitations and exclusions apply. UnitedHealthcare SCO is a Coordinated Care plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Medicaid program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. This plan is a voluntary program that is available to anyone 65 and older who qualifies for MassHealth Standard and Original Medicare. If you have MassHealth Standard, but you do not qualify for Original Medicare, you may still be eligible to enroll in our MassHealth Senior Care Option plan and receive all of your MassHealth benefits through our SCO program. CST27301C Health & Wellness Products Card Jane Doe 9999 9999 9999 99999
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