Beginning Tuesday morning, a Cincinnati police officer may not show up in-person if you're calling to report certain crimes like thefts or property damage, according to a statement released Monday night.

However, officials said that each and every report is being investigated.

The "differential response plan" was announced Monday night "to reduce unnecessary contact between officers and the public to reduce the spread of COVID-19," a statement to the press said.

The initial report was met with criticism, with some on social media saying the plan was invitation for criminals. Others began referencing "The Purge," a fictional movie in which all crime is legal one night a year.

On Tuesday, Mayor John Cranley clarified that all "assaults and physical violence" will be responded to in-person. The initial announcement said minor assault reports would be handled online or over the phone.

"We will enforce all laws. We are deeply sorry if anyone misinterpreted what we said yesterday," Cranley said calling the initial announcement "clumsy."

Chief Eliot Isaac said that some officers have already come in contact with people they believed were sick, though all officers tested negative for COVID-19.

"Every single report is being investigated in the same way it always has," Lt. Steve Saunders said.

He explained the measures not only protects police, but may stop officers from unknowingly spreading the virus among the public.

The new plan calls for some 911 callers to be referred to online or telephone reporting systems.

This is the list of incidents for which the department will no longer immediately send officer:

Breaking and entering reports where no suspect is present or there is no chance of property recovery.

Menacing reports that don't involve domestic violence unless a suspect is expected to return.

Theft reports involving less than $5,000 of property where there is no possibility of an apprehension or property recovery, unless the stolen item is a firearm.

Criminal damaging and property damage.

Dog bites.

Lost property, including lost or stolen license plates.

Phone harassment.

Those who call 911 to report crimes that fall into these categories will be asked to file a report at www.cincinnati-oh.gov/police/online-reporting or call 513-352-2960.

"We are absolutely responding to every crime. We are assessing whether a police officer needs to respond in-person or not," Saunders said. "If someone calls 911...and there's something to respond to, we will be there."

Last week, the Cincinnati Police Department said it would begin asking some 911 callers to meet officers outside.

The department also reassigned youth services officers, who normally work with a school, to oversee school meal distribution and assist with patrols.

Patrol officers are also each in their own vehicles, as opposed to riding with a partner. Patrols have been increased at hospitals, the Over-the-Rhine Recreation Center and in places with many establishments that have been ordered to close.

The increased patrols are meant to ensure that everyone is abiding by the governor's stay-at-home order, officials said.

"We're not abandoning anything," Saunders said. "Our staffing is high."

He said beginning last week, every officer was ordered to report to duty in uniform even if their typical duties allowed them to dress more casually. While this may seem like a small measure, Saunders explained that it should signal to all police officers and to the public that every officer is ready to patrol and response.

"We are in a time of crisis. Putting everyone in uniform gives us the capacity to deal with anything that comes our way," Saunders said. "We're ready for anything that potentially develops."

Isaac reassured the public during a Tuesday press conference that officers will respond without hesitation if someone's safety or life is in danger.

"Our officers are human beings, too," Isaac said. "They are as susceptible to this virus as everyone else is."

On Tuesday, Chief Eliot Isaac issued a statement regarding the new plan:

“I want all of the residents and visitors to Cincinnati to understand that the Cincinnati Police Department is ready and able to respond to any emergency call from the public. Our recently implemented Differential Response Plan is intended to limit the exposure of our officers and the public to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and our desire is to continue to provide the highest level of police service, while maximizing our efficiency and effectiveness.

"To be clear, all of the calls for service listed in Differential Response Plan will be policed adequately and dealt with to remove/resolve the illegal acts. None of those illegal acts are condoned and all will be suppressed/resolved. In addition, assaults and all physical harm and immediate threats to property will be responded to in person when requested. Whenever someone is in physical danger the police will respond in person.

[All of The Enquirer's coverage of the novel coronavirus outbreak and COVID-19 is delivered free. Support local journalism by subscribing to The Enquirer.]