Flint Township View

Flint Township police continue social distancing measures




FLINT TWP. — As the state’s stay at home order resumes, the Flint Township Police Department is continuing to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of its officers and the public.

Since mid-March, the police department has kept its building and lobby closed to the public and has been limiting contact between officers and residents as much as possible. Routine patrols and traffic stops, however, are still being conducted.

Flint Township Police Chief Kevin Salter said that all employees are required to have their temperatures checked before they enter the police department building. Officers are also routinely cleaning their workstations and disinfecting department vehicles before and after every shift.

While the department’s call volume has gone down by 20 or 30 percent since the pandemic hit, Salter said that there has been a small uptick in calls as some restrictions start to lift.

“Of course, having more calls increases the chance of exposure (to the virus) for everybody,” Salter said. “That’s why we are continuing to encourage officers to avoid face-to-face contact with the public and handle service calls over the phone.”

Salter said that most Flint Township residents and businesses have gone to great lengths to heed social distancing orders. For instance, he and his officers haven’t found any gloves or masks being improperly disposed around store parking lots.

Local businesses have also stepped up to provide Flint Township police with additional masks, gloves and hand sanitizers.

“A lot of our PPE (personal protective equipment) has come through the Genesee County Emergency Management, but lots of local businesses have been great at supplying us with items and making sure that we have what we need,” Salter said.

Salter thanked the public for its cooperation and patience, while reminding residents that the department will still be responding to all emergency calls.

Non-emergency calls can be made to the Flint Township Police Department at 810-600-3250. Those seeking emergency assistance should contact 911.