New guidance on lockdown

14 May 2020

A new set of guidelines have been drawn-up to give officers clear direction on this week’s changes to the Government’s lockdown restrictions.

The Police Federation of England and Wales has worked alongside the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and the College of Policing to draw up the guidelines.

“The Prime Minister’s address to the nation on Sunday means that people can now spend more time outdoors and take part in a wider range of activities, although they will still be expected to adhere to social distancing rules to try to curb any further spread of coronavirus,” says Jon Nott, chair of West Midlands Police Federation.

“This means that once again police will be expected to fully understand a new set of regulations and seek to work with the public to ensure they abide by the restrictions.

“Officers will maintain the Four Es – engage, explain, encourage and enforce as a last resort – and I hope they will continue to be supported by the public as they seek to keep up the great work they are doing in serving and protecting their communities in what are incredibly challenging times.”

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

John 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.”