Philadelphia police to delay arrests for certain non-violent crimes

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Philadelphia police officers have been instructed to stop making arrests for certain non-violent crimes.
The department said individuals who would normally be arrested and processed at a detective division, will be temporarily detained to confirm identification and complete necessary paperwork. The individual will then be a arrested at a later date on an arrest warrant.

FOX 29’s Steve Keeley reports the non-violent crimes include the following:
– All narcotics offenses
– Theft from persons
– Retail theft
– Theft from auto
– Burglary
– Vandalism
– All bench warrants
– Stolen auto
– Economic crimes
– Prostitution

Steve Keeley ✔ @KeeleyFox29

2/2 Asked for comment @FOPLodge5 President John McNesby tells FOX29 News suspects will be scanned, identified, and arrested(picked up) later on arrest warrants to keep help lower chance of police being infected from any suspect who may have coronavirus @FOX29philly

4

6:08 PM – Mar 17, 2020 · Moorestown, NJ

“We are supportive of Commissioner Outlaw’s directive on making arrests during the Coronavirus crisis,” FOP Lodge #5 President, John McNesby said. “The directive was released to keep officers safe during this public-health crisis. Meanwhile, violent offenders will be arrested and processed with the guidance of a police supervisor.”

https://www.fox29.com/news/philadelphia-police-to-delay-arrests-for-certain-non-violent-crimes