DELANO, Calif. (KERO) — The Delano Police Department revised its procedures in response to COVID including only having officers field dispatched to life-threatening incidents and crimes in progress, according to a letter posted on their Facebook page.

Other procedures according to the letter that Delano Police will follow until March 1:

• For calls that are not life-threatening or a crime in progress, either officers or a Community Service Officer will handle the call over the phone.

• The front lobby of police headquarters will be closed to the public.

• All police-related community events are canceled.

• A modified caller query screening process will be used so dispatchers can determine the response for each call. Police advise to have patience when calling.

• Residents are encouraged to call Delano Police's non-emergency number at 661-721-3377 for non-emergencies and for general questions.

Delano Police say they've made these decisions "out of an abundance of caution" and to ensure the safety of the community and department employees.