KEY POINTS

  • Some 200 frontliners are asking the NYPD to "cease unnecessary arrests"
  • The healthcare workers said that the police's interaction poses a risk of coronavirus infection
  • About 4,586 members of the NYPD have tested positive for COVID-19 as of April 22

A group of medical professionals is asking the New York Police Department (NYPD) to "cease unnecessary arrests" as law enforcement officers could get easily get infected or spread coronavirus.

The letter stated their concerns over the NYPD's policing efforts. It was signed by some 200 frontliners from groups like Advancing Health Equity, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, Nurses for Social Justice, NYC Coalition to Dismantle Racism in the Health System, Physicians for a National Health Program-NY Metro, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, Progressive Doctors and Treatment Action Group (TAG).

NYPD_Police_Car
Healthcare workers are asking the New York Police Department to stop the spread of the virus by scaling down on their policing efforts for low-level offenses. Wikimedia Commons

"We fear that unnecessary interactions between the NYPD and the public will further exacerbate the public health crisis unfolding in New York City and rapidly spreading across the country," the letter detailed. "For each interaction, the NYPD has with the public, there is a risk of virus transmission, and we urge the NYPD to take this public health risk seriously."

The healthcare workers suggested that instead of making arrests and to limit physical interaction, the police has to "halt enforcement of low-level offenses." They said that close contact in issuing a citation must “be avoided whenever possible."

The medical works also suggested issuing summons and desk appearance tickets for qualifying offenses to lessen the number of people being transported to Rikers Island, New York City's main jail complex, which is experiencing an increasing public health crisis. The healthcare workers also want the police to encourage social distancing through a public address system.

According to the New York Daily News, 4,586 members of the NYPD have tested positive for the coronavirus as of April 22. More than half of these men and women in blue have reported back to work after their recovery.

In a statement, the NYPD said that it is closely working together with the medical community.

"Since the beginning of this pandemic, the men and women of the NYPD have been on the front line, working around the clock to keep all New Yorkers safe and they will continue to do so," the statement noted.

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