ARRESTED TRAFFIC:
Rincon Police Ease up on Traffic Enforcement & Take Other Safety Measures in Response to Pandemic Story by Stephen Prudhomme | Photos by Jami Brannen
D
uring these unprecedented times, when a pandemic has changed life around the world, what was normal has been replaced by a new norm—one of social distancing when out in public and plenty of time indoors. In Rincon, the change can perhaps be best encapsulated in a traffic anomaly along Highway 21and observed by interim police chief Jonathan Murrell, who has been on the job since October. Motorists don’t have to wait to make a turn from West 17th Street onto the thoroughfare normally teeming with cars and trucks. As it turns out, police officers in Rincon, despite having to spend minimal time at that intersection to make a turn, are not lining up as much as in past months to take advantage of this break in traffic; Murrell did note, however, that traffic enforcement was returning to normal as the city prepared for the Memorial Day weekend and various restrictions were being lifted throughout the country.
Since mid-March, when federal and state restrictions were implemented to slow the spread of Covid-19, Murrell said they reduced traffic control to minimize contact his officers had with the public and only respond to more serious incidents. When they do respond on the roads, he added, they use hand sanitizer and, at their discretion, face masks. “We wanted to reduce contact with the citizens unless it was absolutely necessary,” Murrell said. “We would take calls over the phone instead of responding in person.” On traffic stops, the department continued its general policy of having people remain in their vehicle while officers checked out their license. Along with having the driver show his license rather than handing it over, officers used an electronic device known as a ticket writer. Where a signature would ordinarily go, the officer wrote COVID-19. Traffic court was held May 14, the first time since it was postponed in March. Normally, anywhere from 60 to 150 people
would appear, according to Thompson, but only 30 showed up for the latest session. He attributed the lower numbers to people following recommendations to pay tickets ahead of time. Those who did show up had their temperature taken in the police department lobby before going through security and into the courtroom. If it was 99 degrees or higher, they had to schedule another court date. Inside the courtroom, social distancing was observed by people standing on prescribed marks before going to the solicitor and, in some cases, the judge. Before the pandemic, Rincon police would accompany emergency vehicles on calls and, when the situation warranted, enter the home. Since March, however, while still going on the calls, officers remain outside the home unless it’s a dire situation such as cardiac arrest, according to Murrell. In such cases, they would wear masks when going inside. Despite the pandemic, the department remains committed to serving and
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