The Rochester Police Department is implementing changes to help keep officers safe amid growing concerns around the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rochester Police Chief La'Ron Singletary says the Rochester Police Department is committed to protecting and serving the community even though things have change. 

"We've eliminated roll calls, we've eliminated two-badge patrols in uniform sector, and we have allowed our non-essential employees to work from home," said Singletary.

In addition to practicing social distancing, officers were given personal protective equipment - also known as PPE. 

"One of the concerns that I have always is our 'burn rate.’ How fast are we going through that (PPE) equipment, because we don't know how long we're going to be in this for. This is a pandemic that doesn't have a playbook that comes along with it," said Singletary. 

While the department is adjusting to the new normal, the police officers’ union would like to see even more measures in place.

Mike Mazzeo, president of the Locust Club, says he would like to see people being transported in wagons, opposed to police cars to increase distancing between suspects and officers. 

"We ask for wagons to be put out there and all there was consideration and problems with that instead of looking at it. Yet I look at Syracuse, they got three wagons out, why are we transporting people in cars," said Mazzeo. 

At the moment officers routinely wear masks. Mazzeo says that poses challenges when they have to give out verbal commands. 

"So, what do our officers do? Do they take the mask off? They have to judge what is the greater risk. And that's something that makes us unique from the other essential workers out there," said Mazzeo.  

As of Tuesday, Chief Singletary said there were no confirmed COVID-19 cases among Rochester police officers.