Policy Text
MOUNTAIN VIEW POLICE DEPARTMENT
SPECIAL SERVICES SECTION
TRAINING AND INFORMATION
BULLETIN
PAGE 1 OF 1
CONFIDENTIAL FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT USE ONLY
2020
DATE: May 1 4, 2020
BULLETIN NUMBER: 20-11
SUBJECT: Mask Clarification
INFORMATION:
The following is to provide guidance and clarification regarding the use of protective
masks, explain the difference between N95 respirator masks and fabric -type masks (face
covering) , and when it is appropriate to wear each type. Depending on the design,
masks can limit the spread of a disease from an infected person, and/or they can
protect the wearer from becoming infected.
Background:
In early Apr il 2020, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended that people
wear cloth or fabric face coverings when entering public spaces like grocery stores or
utilizing public transportation. These face coverings are meant to prevent those who
have the viru s—and might not know it —from infecting others.
There are several types of protective masks. We will discuss the two types that staff will
wear.
Types of Protective Masks:
There are two types of protective masks : fabric masks and N95 masks (respirator s).
Fabric Masks or face coverings are masks made out of fabric or similar material. The
main difference between fabric masks and N95 masks is that the fabric mask does not
contain any medical filtering properties. In other words, the fabric mask only pr ovides
protection to those around the mask wearer by containing small particle aerosols within
the mask. For this reason , you should continue to follow the six feet guidelines of social
distan cing and wash your hands often. It is very important that the mask is worn
tightly to maximize protection.
MOUNTAIN VIEW POLICE DEPARTMENT
SPECIAL SERVICES SECTION
TRAINING AND INFORMATION
BULLETIN
PAGE 2 OF 1
CONFIDENTIAL FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT USE ONLY
2020
N95 respirators reduce the wearer's exposure to airborne particles, from small particle
aerosols to large droplets. N95 respirators are tight -fitting respirators that filter out at
least 95% of particles in t he air, including large and small particles. These masks
provide two -way protection if they do not have a n exhaustion value . The wearer of
these masks is protected when making contact with the public. The public is also
protected from the wearer should h e or she have a virus, such as Covid -19.
Which one do I wear and when do I wear it?
Field Personnel - Sworn/CSOs/Police Assistants - When making public contact:
When personnel are in the field, N -95 protective masks should be worn when making
conta ct with the public. N -95 mask provide the best protection from any airborne
pathogens such as Covid -19. It is important that the mask is worn properly to
maximize protection .
When you are alone inside of your vehicle you may remove the mask. Handle thes e
masks with care and avoid touching the inside when donning and doffing the mask . It
is not recommended that you allow them to hang on your duty belt.
All Staff : When not making public contact and while working in the PD buildin g,
personnel should wear a fabric mas k when i n shared or common areas.
** Fabric masks sh all not contain any logos or symbols. **
This procedure is meant to help protect you and your families from contracting Covid -
19. Please reach out to any member of the Force Protection Branch if you have any
questions or concerns.
Stay safe!
Prepared by: Force Protection Branch
Sgt. Fernando Maldonado
Appr oved by: Force Protection Branch
Lt. Dan Frohlich