Police boss issues fines warning
A police boss has urged local residents to follow new lockdown restrictions, and warned anyone flouting the guidelines to “expect a fine”.
The warning comes as Avon and Somerset Constabulary has confirmed it will continue a “four Es” approach to policing coronavirus restrictions during the third national lockdown - engage, explain, encourage and enforce.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cullen has also asked anyone who spots large gatherings to get in touch with the force “as early as possible”.
Mr Cullen said: “Covid-19 has been and remains a major challenge for everyone connected with policing and Avon and Somerset is no different.
“This is a health emergency and it’s our job to offer whatever support we can to keep our communities safe.
“I want to echo the critical advice to stay at home. Covid-19 is a virus that needs human contact to spread and I’d urge everyone to play their part in heeding that message to protect our NHS from being overwhelmed. It will ultimately save lives.
“I want to reassure you that our officers and PCSOS - including those working additional hours as part of the Covid team - will be out on patrol carrying out our 4Es strategy, working alongside Covid marshals and partnering agencies. They will engage with people, explain the rules to them and encourage them to comply.
“But enforcement through fines is very much an option open to our officers and PCSOS, especially for those people who refuse to follow or blatantly breach the legal regulations.
“We’re more than nine months into this pandemic and now more than ever people need to take responsibility for their actions, so anyone deliberately and wilfully contravening the restrictions without good reason can expect a fine.”
Mr Cullen added: “We’d ask people who see signs of large gatherings forming, whether it be parties, protests or unauthorised music events, to contact us as early as possible.
“We are thankful to the large majority of people who have observed the guidelines to help protect their health and that of their loved ones. They have made sacrifices that none of us ever expected we’d have to make in our lifetimes and I know the people of Avon and Somerset will again rise to this latest challenge.
“Covid-19 presents extra work for our hard-working officers and staff, but it’s important not to forget we will also be dealing with traditional policing matters too. We are here for anyone who needs us.
“But my over-riding message to people is help us to help you. Stay home and save lives.”