Police chief thanks public

Police Scotland’s area commander for Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands has thanked members of the public for their ‘continued co-operation’ during the coronavirus pandemic.

Chief Inspector Marlene Baillie added police officers and members of the public should ‘apply a degree of common sense’ in interpreting lockdown regulations.

Chief Inspector Baillie said: ‘The recent extension of lockdown has meant additional pressures and restrictions on people's day-to-day activities and lives.

‘Officers are working hard to encourage the public to comply with the guidance by staying at home to protect the NHS and save lives. Officers are patrolling key locations where members of the public tend to gather during periods of good weather including beaches, dog walking locations and open air green spaces.

‘It is hoped that by engaging with members of the public we can continue to advise them of the requirement to stay at home except for a very limited number of purposes and that physical distancing is being adhered to.’

Chief Inspector Baillie added officers are patrolling trunk roads to discourage speeding that could result in an accident and put additional strain on the emergency services and the NHS.

‘Some people have to travel,’ she said, ‘but please if you have to make an essential journey do so safely. For the most part, the public’s response has been excellent. The majority have accepted police advice and only on the rare occasion have we had to revert to a warning or enforcement. The legislation and the guidance that goes with it is clear: people need to stay home to protect the NHS and save lives. There has been some reporting of guidance that was issued to officers in England and Wales which seemed to suggest these rules were being relaxed. That is not the case and that guidance is not being shared with our officers.

‘Everyone – police officers and members of the public have had to apply a degree of common sense in interpreting these rules. Every incident or report needs to be considered on its own merits and decisions made as to how to proceed, done by applying common sense and proportionality.

‘I would ask everyone to continue to stay at home, travel only if absolutely necessary, adhere to the physical distancing guidance and keep yourself, your family and your community safe.’