The University of Wyoming Police Department (UWPD) must wear masks following the same guidelines as any other UW faculty member. These guidelines are also similar to the Laramie Police Department’s (LPD) guidelines.
“The COVID face covering policy applies to all faculty, staff, and students, which includes the UWPD,” said Chief of UW Police Michael J. Samp. “That includes at our offices, with the exception of individual offices. In addition, our staff have been provided with additional PPE to include rubber gloves and hand sanitizer to be utilized when appropriate. All UWPD staff have been advised of the policy and are expected to comply with the policy. Face coverings are expected to be worn inside buildings and at any time proper social distancing cannot be maintained.”
According to a General Order made by the Chief of Police Dale A. Stalder, the LPD must wear masks when entering businesses or other enclosed buildings, when in large groups where social distancing is not possible, during an arrest if it is safe to take the time to apply the mask, if a member of the public asks an officer to wear one, and any other situation where personal protective equipment (PPE) is necessary.
Samp said that the only instance where an officer does not have to wear a mask is either when they are in their individual office or when an individual asks them not to in cases of deafness or other instances. However, the UWPD has ordered clear spit guards, which are expected to arrive for the fall semester, to act as face shields in cases of deafness or such where an individual would like to see the officer’s face.
These guidelines are still a work in progress with guidance still being given to UWPD. A finalized plan is still being worked on concerning COVID-19 said Samp.
“The Laramie Police Department and the University of Wyoming Police Department have always had open discussions and interactions. Each department is run independently and creates their own policies and procedures,” said LPD Lieutenant Gwendolyn Smith.
On June 25, Sarah Diane Ewing posted a video to Facebook of Assistant Chief Officer Terry speaking to the protesters before they started marching saying they would receive citations if they marched in the streets impeding traffic. An individual in the background noise of the video asked Terry why he was not wearing a mask and Terry stated he did not have to wear one.
As of June 25 when the video was taken, LPD officers did not have to wear masks but were advised to according to the General Order signed by Stalder.
In April, officers were provided with cloth face coverings, which were approved by the Chief according to Smith.
“Officers were advised that they should have the face coverings with them and don them if they were requested by a member of the public to do so,” states the General Order. “Officers were also reminded of the need to practice proper distancing measures, to use recommended hygiene procedures, and to stay home if they experience any possible COVID symptoms. Supervisor were directed to monitor their personnel daily to ensure that they were well and not showing any COVID symptoms. All personnel were advised to use proper distancing measures while in the PD.”
Each month since March the LPD has continuously made updates to the General Order in order to practice safety measures for COVID-19. There will be further updates to the General Order as new needs occur based on city, state and country recommendations and events said Smith.
The General Order was recently updated July 9 by Stalder as new recommendations for safety were made concerning COVID-19. All LPD employees were required to sign the General Order when it was updated stating they read and will comply with the new regulations.
“Disciplinary action could be brought against an employee who doesn’t sign or follow the General Orders,” said Smith.
Along with mask regulations, the updated General Order stated that officers should always be aware of social distancing and avoid it only for very short periods of time during necessary instances such as accepting documentation during traffic stops, arrests or other scenarios.
A screening process was made for all EMS calls to deem it necessary or not for officers to attend the call. If it is deemed necessary then further PPE equipment is advised to be used when entering a home or searching a vehicle.
These guidelines only affect LPD employees. There is no city ordinance for Laramie or the state of Wyoming requiring any individual to wear a mask. The UW campus does require individuals to wear masks, though, for all students, faculty and staff.
