16 July 2021

A busy summer on its way - Dorset Police Federation Chairman James Dimmack reacts to England lockdown rules coming to end on Monday

“With staycations, our already burgeoning visitor numbers in Dorset are likely to be vastly increased… to say the next two months will be a challenge for policing is something of an understatement. We will be hugely tested.”

James Dimmack, Chair of Dorset Police Federation, has given his reaction to England lockdown rules coming to end on Monday (19 July).

Nightclubs will be allowed to reopen for the first time since March 2020 and capacity limits will be removed for all venues and events.

There will no longer be any limits on how many people can meet and the 1m-plus distancing rule will be removed.

James said: “We are all hopeful and welcoming of safe and suitable easing of restrictions. This will have a huge positive impact for all of society in terms of renewal of freedoms and the associated benefits to wellbeing and mental health.

“This is no different for police officers. Policing however will be hugely tested by this. This easing coincides with the advent a summer a period of traditional pressure on already sparse resources. This is exacerbated by the fact that the majority of us are not holidaying abroad but remaining in the UK.

“This is all too prevalent within Dorset where our already burgeoning visitor numbers are likely to be vastly increased as people seek to substitute their normal summer activity.

“There is inevitably going to be a reaction to lockdown easing as people seek to make up for lost time both in terms of enjoyment and in recouping entertainment revenues. This will result in significant pressure on the ability of officers withstand this explosion of social activity and the inevitable issues that will generate.

“To say the next two months will be a challenge is something of an understatement. Officers will do what they normally do and try to make it work.”

Speaking at the Press Conference in Downing Street earlier this week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the public "don't tear the pants out of" the unlocking.

He added: "Don't be demob happy about this - this is not the end of Covid. It requires constant vigilance...you should not have a jubilee."

James added: “The Police Federation are liaising with Dorset Police in order to address these issues. Plans are already in place to support our members and try to promote and sustain their wellbeing and morale throughout this challenging period.”