3 November 2020

National lockdown set to place more pressure on fatigued officers

Police officers are “fatigued” and “under more pressure yet again” as they prepare to police the second national lockdown.

Anna Harvey, Dorset Police Federation Chair, spoke out on behalf of her members on the eve of a month of new national restrictions that will see officers tasked with ensuring people stay at home wherever possible.

She said: “The latest news of a second lockdown has placed our colleagues under more pressure yet again. The last eight months have been relentless for policing, with ever-changing legislation and guidance adding to confusion. The majority of police officers aren’t able to work from home and as the Covid cases increase, so does the risk to them. However, they will again put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public and ultimately protect the NHS.”

Anna praised her colleagues’ adaptability, commitment and professionalism during some very difficult times, but said the pandemic had taken its toll, leaving officers fatigued.

She added: “I know that the majority of the public have been supportive in this pandemic. However we have seen all too often that others are not, leading to confrontational situations and assaults on our members. Nevertheless, we are prepared for whatever the the next few weeks brings, and Dorset Police Federation will continue to support and represent our colleagues at the highest level.”

John Apter, Police Federation of England and Wales Chair, added: “Policing is already under enough pressure. My colleagues have been doing their best to police restrictions which have changed on a regular basis and have often been confusing. It is clear that the virus has not gone away and is spreading at an alarming rate. We must be clear in what we are asking of the public and what we are expecting of the police. The information from Government must be clear and unambiguous. Anything less makes the policing of this pandemic even more challenging than it is already.”