Two Milwaukee Police Department members contract coronavirus, but officers and staff still reporting

The Chief of the Milwaukee Police Department says that two members of his team – one officer and one civilian – have contracted coronavirus. That is among the more-than-260 people in Milwaukee County who have done so in the current pandemic.

But it’s not stopping his officers and civilian staff from coming to meet the needs of the city every day.

“One sworn that tested positive and one civilian,” Chief Alfonso Morales told WTMJ’s John Mercure on Wisconsin’s Afternoon News.

“Several (other) officers have quarantined, but nothing positive.”

The nature of law enforcement work means that often, officers on their beat have to break the coronavirus protocol of six feet of safe distance between people to help stop the spread of the deadly virus.

But fear of the spread is not stopping officers from their duty.

“Everybody’s coming in at the districts. They’re still reporting. We have some quarantines, but – knocking on wood – small (numbers),” explained the chief.

He said that officers are using sanitary wipes and cleaning supplies to help mitigate the risk, and that numerous community groups have helped in providing protective masks.

“Where we were short was on mask equipment. We went publicly to ask for donations, and the community stepped up. The Milwaukee Fire Department also stepped up.”

Morales also told John that communication is critical via the chain of command during this extraordinary time.

“Nobody can say they’ve lived through one of (these) or operated or managed an organization like the Milwaukee Police Department through something we’re going through,” said the Chief.