Manitoba RCMP officers are being given non-medical masks to use on duty where physical distancing may be difficult and personal protective equipment (PPE) in not required.

Police say that they are taking the additional measures so that members of the community can feel comfortable in engaging with officers in their communities during the pandemic.

The wearing on non-medical masks is becoming more common.

Some people may be uncomfortable with police officers wearing a mask as they approach them. The RCMP says that any person interacting with police can ask to see the officers identification, if it is safe to do so.

RCMP officers carry at least one form of ID to verify their identity including an RCMP badge, RCMP issued photo identification, RCMP name tag on their uniform, RCMP business card with detachment phone numbers that can be used to verify their identity.

Officials say that in most situations RCMP officers will be able to provide identification or information to verify that they are an RCMP officer.

© News4.ca 2020