Handling COVID-19 Misinformation for Police Officers

During this pandemic, it is the duty of law officers to enforce government issued restrictions. The situation has been divisive, with several officers refusing to enforce the mask-wearing restrictions and a section of the public protesting against said restrictions and policies based on infringement of rights. Hostilities have taken place, which has led to police officers being attacked by people in various ways.

There is a lot of misinformation surrounding the Coronavirus. It is up to the police officers to guide during these trying times, helping to control the extent of misinformation spreading around among the people. Rumors and conspiracy theories have created a sense of dread and paranoia among people that requires effective dealing by police officers. Remaining neutral, providing information that is received through an official authority, while remaining unbiased for the public’s betterment is the need of the hour.

The Problem

With the passage of time, there have been reported trends of a general mistrust among the public regarding the information provided by reputable and respected sources of information, such as government authorities and news media. Another issue is the inclination toward opinions and perception, rather than facts and figures reported by an official authority.

This disagreement with facts and the perpetuation of often baseless opinions have contributed heavily towards the hostility the paranoia surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. More than ever, it’s time to rely on official authorities to engage in critical dialogue to create a proper narrative and discussion before passing on information, constructively.

How the Police Can Remain Neutral

Here are some of the ways the police officers and line staff can remain neutral regarding the COVID-19 pandemic:

  1. Refrain from making any casual statements with the public that may spread any misinformation considered a departmental policy issued by the police.
  2. The police officers should be aware of the government’s laws regarding health concerns, remaining neutral to the constitution and maintaining a level of empathy with opposing parties on contentious topics.
  3. Ensure that any news or information shared is from a verified source and championed by various news articles covering different sections of the political spectrum. It includes Vox Media, McKinsey and the Center for American Progress, to name a few.

What Are the Policies and Practices Being Recommended?

According to the CDC, the general practices to be observed are as follows:

  1. Washing hands regularly.
  2. Observe social distancing, maintaining a distance of 6 feet from other people.
  3. Avoiding social gatherings, especially those that are indoors and with poor ventilation.
  4. If you’re coughing, ensuring that you stay indoors to control the spread of any germs.

Most policymakers have requested the general public to stay at home to limit the spread of COVID-19, as it can be transmitted from one person to another. Testing is also generally recommended, especially contact tracing and testing those who have had a physical interaction with the infected. While the laws, policies, and regulations are similar across the country, specific differences apply to locality changes across different areas.

Dealing with Misinformation

For Public Communication Roles

Share information from verified sources such as the CDC, in combination with state public health resources to combat misinformation. Make sure that any incorrect information that is circulating is not repeated or directly mentioned. Facts and figures that refute incorrect data should be provided.

Present knowledge in a positive light, giving the impression that people will benefit from following these orders and keeping themselves and others safe. Having reputable and revered community members on board to share your message can also help, as people are likely to believe sources that they trust and are comfortable with. Credible members of the public, such as medical professionals should work in conjunction with officers of the law to instill correct information among the people.

For Field Officers

The field workers must remain unbiased and impartial, regardless of their personal beliefs. Whatever they say and do represents their agencies; therefore, professional behavior is of the utmost importance. In the face of hostility and when being recorded, the stakes are higher, requiring a great deal of patience and empathy. As an enforcer of the law, you have to maintain and restore peace, and dealing with enforcement should be the last option in many cases.

Enforcing compliance and communication should be the first approach to preserving harmony. Act with empathy, providing verified information in case of any violation and reminding the wrongdoer of the risk they are putting themselves in and others around them for long-lasting results that have a more profound effect on the general public.

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