Arrested Traffic

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

During these unprecedented times, when a pandemic has changed life around the world, what was normal has been replaced by a new norm—one of social distancing when out in public and plenty of time indoors.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

protecting the community and, if need be, area. The pandemic necessitated tighter one another, trying to improve a negative arrest lawbreakers. controls on these outside law visitors. situation rather than making it worse.

Patrol commander Lt. Daniel Thompson “We monitor where they can go,” “I haven’t noticed a notable increase in said arrests are made on a case-by-case Thompson said. any type of crime,” Murrell said. basis. In the case of misdemeanors, they Unusual or emergency situations In that same vein, Murrell noted he tried to minimize contact by releasing the can bring out the best or worst in didn’t see any large gatherings of people, individual and issuing a citation. With people. Stories of heroism and charity a violation of the social distancing more serious crimes, such as domestic are heartwarming and inspirational. guidelines. If he had, Murrell said he violence, Thompson said the person would Conversely, tales of people taking would have contacted the Georgia State be booked and questioned Patrol. “We’re not charged about their physical with the duty to enforce social condition before being taken to jail; he added that jail personnel would be “Rincon, as it turns out, offers hope that all is not lost in the world. ” distancing,” Murrell said.

Measures to protect members of the to crime during difficult times elicit in 2009. “I don’t want my officers to feel police department extended to the station, feelings of anger and depression over a uncomfortable in responding to a call they located on West 17th Street. world gone wrong. feel is unsafe. I’m leaving it up to them as

Thompson said the department lobby Rincon, as it turns out, offers hope that far as responding to calls. I’m fine with remained open, noting that the staff area all is not lost in the world. This is reflective that.” n in the rear is secure and separate from the of a city where fundraisers are frequently lobby. Previously, members of other law held for local residents facing various agencies would go in and out of the rear hardships and people genuinely care for

What he is charged with is protecting the public and staff alerted on the impending during unprecedented times. arrival of the arrested “This is completely new to party so they could take me,” said Murrell, who began safety and preventative steps. advantage of others and often resorting his law enforcement career in Statesboro