County police have eliminated daily roll calls to avoid grouping officers in close quarters to prevent the spread of viruses through coughs, sneezes and handshakes.

And instead of gathering at the district stations prior to their shift, officers now report directly to their assigned areas, said Maj. Thomas Wilson, commander of the Patrol Services Bureau.

It's all part of the precautions local police and firefighters are taking to prepare for the worst as health officials say an H1N1 influenza outbreak is possible this flu season.

"The roll call can still be conducted through messaging via the mobile computers in...