20 April 2021

Officers Praised For Dedication During ‘Relentless’ Pandemic

The independent inspectorate of policing has commended police officers, staff and volunteers for their “exceptional dedication and commitment” to keeping people safe during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire Services (HMICFRS) says the police service responded with “dedication and commitment” to the challenge of policing the pandemic.

Inspectors said: “Policing demonstrated its capacity for responding in an emergency.” They added that officers took “immediate and decisive” action to respond to the extreme circumstances of the pandemic.

Inspectors found that the fast-paced introduction and subsequent changes to new legislation affected some forces’ ability to produce timely and clear guidance for police officers and staff, which created difficulties for officers on the frontline.

The inspectorate acknowledged the criticism some forces faced for their interpretation of lockdown restrictions, stating they were “assured that police forces had learnt from these instances” and in general “did well” to maintain public trust.

Anna Harvey, Chair of Dorset Police Federation, said: “This report clearly highlights the exceptional dedication and commitment officers have made during the pandemic.

“These are words that are not used often in HMICFRS reports so our members should take some comfort that their efforts have not gone unrecognised. We know that they have faced the challenges of Covid head on, showing professionalism and true resilience.

“The last year has been relentless and extremely complex in terms of fast changing legislation, operational demands and unfair criticism.

“I know as lockdown restrictions ease policing will again be at the forefront of these challenges, I am confident that again officers will continue to deliver excellent service to the public and protect the vulnerable.

“The Federation will continue to support and represent our members throughout the next chapter of Covid and beyond.”

Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Matt Parr, commented: “Overall, the police rose to the challenge with dedication and commitment by taking immediate and decisive action to keep people safe and prevent crime, while also learning lessons from the rare occasions that they got it wrong.”

The HMICFRS report is based on an inspection of policing between March and November 2020. See it in full here: www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmicfrs/news/news-feed/police-generally-responded-well-to-exceptional-circumstances-of-pandemic/