The Niagara County Sheriff has decided to handle "low-priority" calls by telephone instead of in person. Acting Sheriff Michael Filicetti said the decisions was made in light of COVID-19 restrictions.
"In an effort to adhere to the social distancing recommendations, this will allow our deputies to still take your complaint but not have to make face to face contact with the complainant," said Filicetti. "If follow-up items are needed with the complainant, we will make arragments for contact at a later time."
Filicetti said he is still encouraging residents to report incidents and "response to priority or emergency calls will remain unaffected." The decision is "to balance the safety of our deputies and the community."
This latest change comes after Niagara County declared a state of emergency Monday. All schools are closed until further notice and visits to the county correctional facility have been suspended indefinitely.
Due to the state's declaration to cut local government employees by 50%, the Sheriff also has stopped "non-essential services":
- Civil Division will not be able to process evictions.
- Victim Services Division will perform emergency functions only. It will not be able to process claims or reimbursements.
- Forensic Laboratory will not process evidence.
- NCSO Records Division will be closed. Accident reports can be obtained by visiting www.buycrash.com
- Free car seat checks and all traffic safety programs have been canceled.
