National chair tells Lords of “intolerable pressure” put on policing

15 December 2020

The decision to reopen pubs on a Saturday after the first coronavirus lockdown put police under “intolerable pressure”, the chair of the national Federation told a House of Lords committee.

John Apter told the Lords’ Constitution Committee the Federation had warned against the move as he gave evidence on the policing response to the pandemic.

He explained how the Federation had raised concerns during discussions with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), the Home Office and the wider Government throughout the crisis, and that while concerns were listened to, some messages failed to filter through to Number 10 and beyond.

John told committee members that ahead of 4 July, which was dubbed “Super Saturday”, the Federation warned the Government against relaxing restrictions on a weekend.

“I completely understand the economic pressures,” he said, “But this decision (to open pubs on a Saturday after months of lockdown) put an intolerable amount of pressure on my colleagues.

“All we wanted from the Government was an understanding that when these announcements are made there are consequences for policing.”

John appeared in front of the committee alongside the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners’ (APCC) chair Paddy Tipping.

He highlighted the challenges of rapid changes in legislation and unfair media criticism of policing to members of the House of Lords, but said he “couldn’t be prouder” of the way colleagues policed the pandemic.

“This has been the most unprecedented time for policing, and it is important we recognise that”, he said, “My colleagues have absolutely stepped up to the plate during this crisis and I couldn’t be prouder of them as they are faced with the rapid changes in legislation and unfair criticism in the national media.”

The national chair discussed how members are under huge pressure as they deal with crime levels similar to those seen before the pandemic.

He also highlighted a 21 per cent increase in recorded assaults on police officers during the first period of lockdown, compared to the same time the year before.

When the committee asked how police officers on the frontline were advised of changes to coronavirus restrictions and whether they have been clear, John said there were often delays because of the speed of new legislation and the main information was shared via PowerPoint presentations.

He said officers preferred to be told face to face on shift briefings, and stressed the need for more simple guidance.

“With the guidance, we have over-complicated it,” he said, “I acknowledge lessons have been learnt and I appreciate this is an unprecedented time, but simplicity is key.

“I accept the tiering system has made it more complex, but it doesn’t help colleagues out on the frontline.”

Speaking after his appearance before the committee, John said: “This was a good opportunity to highlight the realities of policing during the pandemic and the pressure my colleagues have been, and remain, under.

“We’ve been policing in the most unprecedented of times. My colleagues have been labelled the villains of this pandemic by some media; this is an insult to those officers who have done their absolute best in these difficult times.”