Wisconsin's first responders take steps to limit coronavirus exposure

KENOSHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Wisconsin first responders are now taking steps to limit their exposure to coronavirus. 

The Kenosha County Sheriff says they meet every morning to discuss the best ways to stay safe and healthy on the job. 

“It’s not business as usual,” Kenosha County Sheriff David Beth said. “It’s something we’re concerned about, but we’re going to go out there and do our best to protect the public that we’ve sworn to protect, but we also have to take care of our staff too.”

The department is canceling all staff trainings and training for inmates. They are also being more selective about who they pull over.

“If people are speeding, if people are being reckless, we’ll take care of them, we’re going to stop them, but if it's just a headlight out or something minor like that we’re going to let those slide,” Sheriff Beth said.

The Village of Jackson Police Department is trying to deal with civil matters over the phone to try to maintain some social distancing, but of course some calls still require in-person interaction.

“It’s even harder now, especially if you’re trying to show compassion to a victim of an incident or someone who just experienced a traumatic situation,” said Officer Jennifer Gerke with the Village of Jackson Police Department. “Now we have to make that conscious effort to stay further away from them to limit exposure.”

The department is asking the public to donate hand sanitizer to officers since they don’t always have access to a sink on the road.

They have already received some donations.