The Moose Jaw Police Service has confirmed that officers did come into contact with COVID-19 positive people in the community during the beginning of the pandemic.

Deputy Chief Rick Johns said immediate action was taken as a precaution.

"I'm pleased to report that no officers were affected and there was a limited decrease in staff who were required to self-isolate as a result," Johns said.

Johns said that the police service went into a deferred readiness operational plan when the pandemic hit to limit exposure and keep resources healthy.

Part of the plan was reallocating front line officers to remote support capacities, while others were reassigned to different areas of the building.

Because of the readiness plan, officers were able to step in for those who had to self-isolate.

"So those who did have to self-isolate as a result of exposure were quickly replaced with officers working in the deferred readiness capacity," Johns said.

The police service had anticipated an increase of calls for the month of May, but there was a reduction.

Johns believes the calls per officer may have been up, but because of the readiness plan, the calls for service were down.

Meanwhile, the police have seen a reduction in the crimes against the person in May by 3.5 per cent compared to last year. Chief Rick Bourassa did caution that there is a level of violence in homes that aren't being reported during isolation as part of the pandemic.

Other significant reductions included crimes against property down 20.3 per cent from last year and theft of motor vehicles down 38 per cent.