11 January 2021

Dorset Police Federation: Our members are at risk of contracting Coronavirus every time they go on duty

Dorset Police Federation has labelled those who broke lockdown to take to the streets of Bournemouth this weekend as “utterly irresponsible” for risking both public and police officer safety.

Ian Roe, Secretary of Dorset Police Federation, said the Federation “absolutely supports the stance taken by Chief Constable James Vaughan and appreciates the support of our PCC Martyn Underhill” in lambasting the protestors.

And he emphasised the Federation’s call for police officers to be on the priority list for the Covid-19 vaccine.

Ian said: “Our members are being put at risk of coming into contact with this virus every day they are on duty and despite PPE being available the risk of contracting Covid-19 is real.

“Protests such as these are utterly irresponsible and yet our officers have to provide a presence and where necessary enforce the coronavirus legislation and issue dispersal orders to protect the wider public.

“This reiterates why police officers need to be prioritised for vaccination.

“Police officers have to deal with a wide variety of incidents where they will be exposed to, and in physical contact with, people carrying the virus so should be protected. Vaccination is a necessary addition to the PPE currently in use. The number of our members absent due to Covid and self-isolation is rising, which is a real concern.”

Chief Constable James Vaughan said: “Our NHS colleagues in Dorset are struggling to cope with the demand being placed upon them and are putting themselves at risk every day to protect the lives of others.

“The number of people in Dorset’s hospitals battling coronavirus has doubled since New Year’s Eve and it is anticipated we have not yet reached the peak.

“Our county is gripped with infections and yet these irresponsible individuals have ignored what is being asked of them and have left their homes to protest. Shame on them.

“I fully appreciate the fact that under normal circumstances people have the right to protest under the Human Rights Act. Now is not that time, people are dying. I want the people of Dorset to know that there is no clear exemption for people to leave home to protest and it will simply not be tolerated. Not only did these people put themselves, their families and the public at risk of infection, they also put our officers at risk while they policed it. I know the vast majority of the public in Dorset support our stance.

“Finally, I would like to say how proud I am of our officers and staff, along with all our emergency service colleagues and other key workers, for all they are doing at this extremely difficult time.”

PCC Underhill said: “It is completely irresponsible for people to come together to make their protests at this time. I support Dorset Police in their tougher stance. Please stay at home and help us keep Dorset safe.”