New guidelines on lockdown restrictions

15 May 2020

Police officers have been provided with new guidelines to give them clear direction in the wake of the Government’s new lockdown restrictions.

The Police Federation of England and Wales has worked with the College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs’ Council to produce the guidelines.

“When Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to the nation on Sunday, he announced amendments to the restrictions that had been in place for many weeks,” said Humberside Police Federation chair Pete Musgrave.

“They gave the public more opportunities to do more things outside, including certain sports, exercise and the option of meeting up with one person from another household.

“But they still require people to social distance, as they have been doing, so it is important that officers receive new guidelines as to how to work with the public and ensure we maintain safe communities.

“Our members will continue to police this difficult situation with the Four Es of engage, explain, encourage and enforce as a last resort. The public have been brilliant so far throughout this pandemic and we want to work closely with them to make everyone’s lives as safe as possible.”

John Apter, national chair of the Police Federation, has stressed the need for clear and unambiguous messages from the Government.

He said: “Police officers across the country are doing an incredibly difficult job in particularly trying circumstances. We have never had to deal with anything like this before, yet my colleagues have stepped up to do all they can to protect and support the public in these unprecedented times. 

“We have engaged with people, reassured them and only used enforcement when absolutely necessary.

“Our officers need the continued support of the public – and the media – so they can keep up the amazing work they are doing at this challenging time.”