Officers Praised For 'Tireless' Work During Pandemic

20 April 2021

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.

Mel Warnes, Chair of Surrey Police Federation, said: “I am so pleased that the HMICFRS have praised police officers for their work during the pandemic. It is well deserved.

“Surrey Police officers have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic, showing a professional approach to the constant changes in legislation and protecting the public.

“Officers have had their shifts changed at short notice, or stayed on to cover teams who were short, always ensuring the Surrey public is served.

“Police have been criticised for policing the pandemic and seemingly can’t do right for doing wrong.

“However, the recognition from the HMICFRS speaks volumes in support for the police and their actions throughout the last year. The Surrey public have continued to be served by committed police officers who quite rightly should be praised by the Inspectorate.”

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/