Federation helps produce new lockdown guidelines

2 June 2020

With the Government announcing a further easing of lockdown restrictions last Thursday, the Health Protection Regulations have been amended to allow people more freedom outdoors – providing they stay two metres apart.

As a result, the Police Federation of England and Wales has worked with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the College of Policing to produce new guidelines for officers.

“Police officers remain in the front-line of the country’s response to the pandemic and are committed to doing everything they can to help protect the public and the NHS. Throughout this crisis they have adopted the Four Es of engage, explain, encourage and, as a last resort, enforce. But, with several changes to the lockdown restrictions now, it can be confusing so hopefully the new guidelines will provide officers with some clarity,” says Derbyshire Police Federation chair Tony Wetton.

The new regulations give details of controls on gatherings and staying overnight at another address while the guidance to officers gives details of police powers under the regulations.

John Apter, national chair of the Police Federation, said: “This is the third time our colleagues have had to rapidly adapt to changes in the law and I have to say they are doing an incredible job. This is not a straightforward task for officers; the legislation is complex, confusing and is an awful lot to take on board overnight – but I know they will continue to do their best in these trying times.”

The guidelines in England.