OLEAN, N.Y. (WKBW) — Concerns over the spread of COVID-19 is forcing the Olean Police Department to change how they will respond to calls for service.
Police say they are starting to limit face-to-face interactions with the public and fellow officers by making it easier to file some police reports by phone. Police will still respond in person to calls such as thefts in progress, burglaries, welfare checks, vehicle crashes, and others.
Officers will prioritize life-threatening emergencies and criminal investigations.
The Olean Police records office will be closed to the public but requests for police records can still be made over the phone by contacting Olean Police Dispatch 716-376-5677.
"We recognize that some face-to-face interactions with the public will be necessary, but recognize the need to do our part to protect the public and our officers, we will continue to keep the public informed with relevant information and we appreciate the public’s understanding of our need to limit face-to-face contacts for the benefit of all."
Olean Police statement
