CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The COVID-19 pandemic has changed day-to-day police operations around the state.

"Life is different for police officers right now. We still have to respond to calls for service even in the midst of a pandemic," Chapel Hill Police Chief Chris Blue says.

Blue has given new tools to his officers, such as face masks and disinfectant for their patrol cars.

 "So, all of our officers have materials that will allow them to clean their cars at the end of their shift, the beginning of their shift, or after someone has been in the car," Blue says.

Many officers no longer report daily to headquarters but check in at other town facilities. Blue also says some shift briefings have moved outside to prevent a coronavirus spread.

However, once officers go out into the field to chase crime, more challenges surface even with a traffic stop.

"Your license is just as likely to get that officer sick as the officer handing it back to you is to get you sick," Blue says.

Blue says when officers do have to come within six feet of a suspect, they wear a mask.

Even after the pandemic is contained, Blue expects some changes to stick. For example, officers may be more encouraged to use handcuffs as a last resort.

Instead, he suggested low-level enforcement might be addressed through "summons and citations instead of physical arrest."

Blue also expects his cops will fill out more police reports over the phone rather than having to appear in-person to a belated incident. Investigators could also rely more on technology during their interrogations and other meetings. Most of all, Blue believes crime fighting will become more efficient.

"I look forward to getting to the other side of this event where we can slow down, take a breath, and figure out what lessons have we learned," he says.