COVID-19 changes Des Moines Police officers' jobs

DES MOINES, Iowa -- The COVID-19 coronavirus is changing the way the Des Moines Police Department is doing it's job as it works to limit person-to-person contact.

"(If) we've got misdemeanor offenses in front of us that don't impact public safety, we might give you a citation to appear in court at a later date. We're got going to let you off scot-free if you're committing crimes" says Des Moines Police Sgt. Police Paul Parizek.

He says the department's also keeping a sharp eye for scam artists and others trying to take advantage of others during the outbreak.

"There's no cure, no vaccination and this relief check thing's not a reality yet. If, and when, it is they're not going to call you up and ask you for your bank information. We're trying to get out in front of that and educate people so we don't have those issues" Parizek says.

The Iowa Attorney General, and U.S. Attorney's offices are also warning people to beware scams and price-gouging related to the COVID-19 coronavirus.


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