Students warned to carry ID cards to avoid arrests
POLICE say some University of Bristol students are “blatantly” breaching Covid rules – amid a row over potential arrests.
In an email to students, the university has warned them to always carry their identification card in “university property”, including halls of residence.
“Breaching Covid legislation is an offence and as such you may be arrested by the police if your identity cannot be verified,” the email reads.
The message has sparked a social media backlash, but the university and police have pointed to “large gatherings and parties” among students in the last two weeks.
Ch Insp Mark Runacres said: “Both during the second lockdown and following the introduction of Tier 3 restrictions in Bristol, officers have attended and broken up parties and gatherings in breach of Covid-19 regulations, both in and around university premises.
“Unfortunately, it seems a small minority are continuing to blatantly breach the restrictions in place to protect the NHS and ultimately save lives, so it’s important we are clear that breaches of the regulations can attract substantial fines.
“The university is taking robust action and I would urge those considering breaking regulations to think about the wider community they are a part of and remember that the vast majority are making daily sacrifices to help reduce rates of the virus in our city.”
Student group Rent Strike Bristol posted a screenshot of the email in a widely shared Twitter thread on December 10.
The thread says: “It’s implied that students may face arrest for not carrying university ID on them in uni buildings and residences. This is an abhorrent policy to take against students.”
The university said: “It is with regret that we had to write to students again this week to remind them of the consequences of their actions if they continue to disregard Government and university rules and regulations around social distancing, thereby breaking the law.
“Disappointingly there have been a number of reports of large gatherings and parties across our residences over the last two weeks which have required the involvement of security and the police. To keep everyone safe it is vitally important that we know who is accessing our residences.
“If they are not a University of Bristol student living at the premises or a member of staff, they are potentially in breach of Covid guidance and regulations by being there. This is why we have asked everyone to carry identification and to present this on request.”