COVID-19 Response in Cities: Maintaining Your City’s Public Safety and Emergency Response Services
Type
Policy Brief or Report
Year
2020
Level
City or Town
State(s)
California, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Texas
Policy Areas
Health, Public Safety
Public safety and emergency response services faced significant challenges during COVID-19, including the need for close personal contact, mental health strain, and the threat of budget cuts. The document advocates prioritizing PPE, testing, and contact tracing for first responders, promoting their well-being through mental health resources, reducing arrests and detention of non-violent offenders, and revising emergency shelter plans to include non-congregate and hygienic options. These policies aim to protect public health while addressing systemic issues in criminal justice and emergency management, with guidance from federal agencies and examples of state-level adaptations.