Aliya Schneider is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media Hudson Police Chief L. Edward Moore reported low arrest numbers for the month of October, officers staying on 12-hour shifts and the importance of educating the public during a pandemic at the Common Council’s Police Committee meeting November 23. The number of arrests and incidents was below average and no use of force was reported during the month of October, Moore said. There were 32 arrests, four calls for emotionally disturbed people and one overdose that required the administration of Nalaxone. The department has been operating on 12-hour shifts instead of the normal eight since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring; the 12-hour shifts will remain in effect indefinitely, Moore said. The chief and Police Commissioner Shane C. Bower both said officers prefer the longer shifts. They work two days then get two days off, then work three days and get three days off, working 84 hours per two-week pay period. First Ward Alderperson Rebecca Wolff asked about the department’s plan to enforce mass-gathering restrictions over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Moore said educating the public about the consequences of their actions is important. It was never intended for police officers to knock down doors and arrest people gathering on Thanksgiving, he said. If there is a gathering that is dangerous because of the pandemic, officers will respond with attempts to educate, he said. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.