Lockdown: new guidance for officers

2 June 2020

New guidelines giving officers a breakdown of the new lockdown restrictions and explaining police powers have been published.

The Police Federation worked with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the College of Policing to produce the guidance following the Government’s announcement last Thursday that lockdown rules would be further eased.

Amendments to the Health Protection Regulations give people more freedom outdoors – providing they observe social distancing by staying two metres apart.

“Police officers will be at the forefront of efforts to ensure people adhere to the new rules,” says Pete Musgrave, chair of Humberside Police Federation, “They will work within the Four Es of engage, explain, encourage and, as a last resort, enforce so this new guidance will help them as they go about their duties and seeking to protect both the public and the NHS.”

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.