Covid-19 Resources for Police and Communities

The Policing Project has drafted two sets of guidance addressing law enforcement’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These documents follow early reports from New York and other cities that raised concerns of uneven, sometimes discriminatory enforcement, and confusion about how to reach isolated and vulnerable groups.

Vetted with community organizers, academic experts, and law enforcement officials, our COVID-19 guidance compiles best practices for state, municipal, and policing leaders as they navigate this ongoing public health emergency.

Stay-at-Home and Social Distancing Enforcement

In response to COVID-19, almost every state has issued some form of stay-at-home or social distancing order. Though police are responsible for enforcing these orders, the guidance on how to do so is often unclear, and in some cases, the rules themselves even conflict. The Policing Project has compiled the best practices for state, municipal, and policing leaders as they draft and enforce these orders, so that direction to law enforcement and the public can be clear, and disparate and discriminatory outcomes can be avoided.

Community Engagement During Times of Crisis: COVID-19 and Beyond

Police are tasked with ensuring public safety during extreme events and emergencies. But during unprecedented times–like we’re seeing now with the novel COVID-19 pandemic–many tried and tested methods for community engagement and outreach are breaking down. How should policing agencies adapt to meet the needs of vulnerable populations?