Grafton Police move to take most business to phone — but WILL respond to emergencies

If it’s a true emergency, the Grafton Police will still show up at your door.

But with COVID-19 continuing spread — with one case already in Grafton — Police Chief Normand Crepeau announced Monday that his officers will be conducting a good part of police business by phone.

“Until further notice, citizens calling in for police services will be screened by our dispatch staff to determine if an immediate police response is required,” Crepeau wrote in a news release. “In most cases, where applicable and possible, Grafton Police Officers will take reports via the telephone, especially when the call involves a past event (i.e. identity theft, credit card fraud, vandalism, quality of life reports and other calls of a nonemergency nature.)”

Voluntary statements may also be filed online at graftonpolice.com.

The front door at the police department will now be locked, with the public asked to use the call button to seal to the dispatcher. The dispatcher will decide if a report can be taken by phone or if an officer should interview the person outside the police station.

“We encourage citizens to call the police department via telephone ahead of time before traveling to the station to make a report,” Crepeau wrote. “In many cases, a police officer can and will take care of a citizen’s needs by phone, thus reducing the chance of spreading the COVID-19 virus.”

Crepeau stressed that police will still respond to emergency calls without delay.

“Officers responding to homes and buildings may ask some pre-screen questions regarding potential illnesses before entering a building,” the chief wrote. “These questions are not meant to be invasive, but to keep both the caller and the responding officer safe during this COVID-19 pandemic. 

“The Grafton Police Department sincerely regrets having to take these precautions however, in order to continue uninterrupted service, we must protect the safety, health and wellbeing of our personnel. We take pride in our community and want to ensure each and every citizen that when they call us for assistance, they will receive the same level of service they expect and deserve. Having to take these steps is necessary to keep both our staff and the public safe while not hindering our ability to provide critical police services to all. 

“We want to thank all citizens for their patience, understanding and cooperation during this crisis and convey our best wishes to everyone to stay safe and healthy. Should anyone have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at chief@graftonpolice.com.”