Governments the world over are struggling to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, most using stringent
measures such as enforcement of lockdowns and shelter-in-place as their first resort. As such,
maintaining public safety, enforcing lockdowns, and assisting health providers during such crises is a
responsibility almost automatically and immediately shouldered by the law enforcement agencies of
government. It is therefore pertinent to soberly consider government policy towards the preparation of
such agencies to respond effectively, which implies establishment and strengthening of appropriate
legal/regulatory frameworks, strategic leadership capacity, and intergovernmental coordination ahead of
crises.
