Police will keep public safe in virus pandemic
SENIOR FIGURES at West Yorkshire Police have said there are plans in place to keep the public safe during the coronavirus pandemic.
The force is following national guidance from Public Health England and has created operational and contingency plans for the unprecedented times ahead.
Chief Constable John Robins said officers are monitoring the situation closely but that the force will “step up to meet any challenge.”
He said: “We have seen over the last few days the developing situation regarding the pandemic and how we are all preparing for the future weeks and months ahead.
“Understandably there is widespread public concern and every public service now faces some significant challenges.
“We are monitoring the situation closely and will adapt our operational response as things change.”
“However the public can be reassured that we are committed to doing everything we can to ensure their safety.”
He added: “The public can help us manage our demand by thinking carefully before they call either 999 or the 101 nonemergency number, so that we can help those who are facing an emergency situation get the help they so urgently need quickly.
“We have an amazing and dedicated workforce of police officers, police staff, Special Constables and volunteers who are used to dealing with major incidents and who will do everything they can to keep the people of West Yorkshire safe.
“Our communities can be reassured that we are monitoring the situation closely and will adapt our operational response as things change.
“West Yorkshire Police has a proud tradition over many years of stepping up to meet any challenge that comes our way and this one is no different.”
Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns-Williamson said ensuring vulnerable people and victims of crime are supported during this time is his priority. He also called for the community to “look after one another” in the coming weeks and months.
Mr Burns-Williamson said: “My priority as PCC is to ensure vulnerable people and victims of crime have the ongoing support of the police and access to the vital services they need through this pandemic, many of which are commissioned through my office with key partners.
“It appears that this global health emergency will take many weeks and months to overcome and our joint approach needs to be calm and evidenced based.
“I believe the Government should be supporting and funding whatever measures are necessary to protect life and slow the spread of infection, including more and increased testing for key frontline workers in the NHS, policing and other key services who are working tirelessly on all our behalves.”
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