Coronavirus Updates with Detroit Police Chief James Craig

FAQs

• How did the Detroit Police Department handle officers exposed to COVID-19?

  Chief Craig said the department took an aggressive posture, quarantining any sworn or civilian member who had contact with someone COVID-positive, whether or not they had symptoms. As of the interview, 478 members were quarantined, 369 sworn and 109 civilian, and 450 had returned to work since the department began rapid testing, which returns results in 10 to 15 minutes.

• Did Detroit's 911 communications center ever go down during the crisis?

  No. Chief Craig said that after a 911 call-taker died and the hospital confirmed the same day that he had been COVID-positive, the department shut its communications center and moved staff to a backup center it had planned for a crisis such as a terror attack when it opened its new $8 million center. He said there was no disruption to handling emergency calls.

• How did crime in Detroit change during the stay-at-home order?

  Chief Craig said crime dropped at first when the quarantines and the governor’s order began, then rose over a weekend, with some of the violence associated with narcotics and some domestic, before leveling off again. He said people being home does not mean there won’t be crime inside homes or violence tied to buying narcotics on the black market.

• How is the Detroit Police Department keeping officers safe on patrol?

  Chief Craig said officers have gloves and masks, roll call was modified for social distancing, and Ford Motor Company donated 250 large plastic face shields that officers can use at stations when someone may be COVID-positive or when making an arrest. Patrol cars are thoroughly cleaned while an arrestee is being processed at the detention center.

• What symptoms did Chief Craig experience with COVID-19?

  Craig said it started like typical seasonal allergies and a persistent cough that led him to get tested. After testing positive he lost his appetite, had chills and a fever between 100 and 102 degrees, and felt very lethargic before gradually regaining his strength.