Officers urged to use PPE
16 November 2020
West Midlands Police Federation chair Jon Nott is encouraging officers to continue to use personal protective equipment (PPE) to help protect themselves and prevent Covid-19 spreading.
His comments came as figures gathered by the Press Association for 24 forces across the four nations of the UK show 849 officers have been infected with the virus.
Jon said: “As a Federation, we were campaigning early on in the pandemic for PPE to be provided. The Force listened and was quick to act, making it mandatory to wear face coverings when moving around police buildings and doing all it can in terms of PPE. But because of the nature of policing and the fact we’re in close contact with people during our work, it’s inevitable some officers will catch the virus, although we’d rather this wasn’t the case.
“However, if it wasn’t for the Federation campaigning for PPE and forces responding so quickly, this figure could be considerably higher.”
Jon added: “But we can’t be complacent. The virus hasn’t gone away. We’re in the midst of second lockdown in England to try to prevent its spread. It’s up to all of us to play our part and we should continue to wear PPE where it’s practical to do so.”
Members are asked to wear masks, particularly when social distancing is not an option, to wash hands and wipe down equipment before and after use.
Officers are also encouraged to download the Track and Trace app to their personal phones to carry on duty and familiarise themselves with the guidance leaflet about PPE.
The leaflet contains practical advice around stop and search procedures, how to handle contact with the public, and what PPE measures are required to handle many routine situations.
National Federation chair John Apter said: “Let’s also remember that policing the pandemic is taking a toll on the mental health and wellbeing of officers. They continue to work 12-hour shifts and have rest days cancelled to help protect the public at this difficult time.
“There is also the constant worry of taking the virus home to their loved ones which is exacerbated when they deal with offenders who weaponise the virus by spitting, biting and coughing – which is disgusting and unacceptable.”
Spit and cough attacks by people who claim to have Covid-19 increased by 74 per cent in the first lockdown period.
John said: “This shows the sort of individuals we have to deal with. People need to realise behind the uniform, officers are mothers, fathers, sons and daughters. So, we will continue to lobby the Government and the Sentencing Council to ensure harsher sentences are handed down to those who attack emergency workers.”
