Minn. Law Enforcement Prep For Possible Ebola Cases

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Minnesota's law enforcement community is making changes to protect from the potential for Ebola.

All Minneapolis police squad cars, bikes and Segway's have a new tool in the fight against an invisible threat to public health.

"It's a personal, protective bag that we're now carrying," Officer Michael Kirchen said. "We get to the scene first. We want to make sure that we have this stuff with us just in case we encounter someone we may think could be infected," he said.

Officers know the Ebola risk is low right now but proper eye protection and face masks from the Department of Health will better protect them from all communicable diseases, at a time when Ebola is top of mind.

Starting Thursday, the worry over Ebola changed the way more than 100 inmates enter the Hennepin County Jail each day.

"We want to contain it on the front end in the most secure environment we can," Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek said.

Inmates must now answer a list of health questions before they can go inside.

"They will be general questions such as 'When did you last travel?' 'Have you traveled to a West African nation as of recent?' Do you have any flu, fever, cough, vomiting?'" Stanek said.

If any inmate would answer yes, a doctor or nurse working inside would be called for immediate evaluation. They are similar to procedures put in place when SARS dominated the headlines.

"This is just another step in the screening process before someone is booked into the jail," Stanek said.

With an inmate population of 800 plus, law enforcement is learning how important early detection is.

An invisible threat where the need for extra protection is becoming clearer.

"Adding that extra layer of safety and security which is the right thing to do at this time," Stanek said.

Hennepin County Deputies will also all get protective clothing for their squads within weeks.