People are listening

Recently the Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM briefed the country on Police Scotland’s role in the national response to coronavirus.

I would like to take this opportunity to update you on a more local platform.

I am pleased to report that the vast majority of people in Scotland are in fact continuing to do the right thing during this acute health emergency, and I thank them for that. The social distancing legal requirement to stay home is the best way to protect the NHS and the best way to save lives.

Our local problem-solving team, along with response policing and specialist departments have a vital role to play as we all make the daily changes and personal sacrifices needed to combat the spread of coronavirus. With the continued support and co-operation of our community, we will explain the legal instructions, encourage compliance and, when needed, enforce the law.

Since the emergency powers came into effect over two weeks ago, we have been required to take enforcement action in limited situations. Thus far, across Lanarkshire, we have issued over 57 fixed penalty notices.

This has typically been during incidents where people do not comply with legal instructions even after being spoken to by officers. For example, house parties or gatherings in public where those involved refuse to disperse. However, overall, compliance has been very high in Scotland and I thank the people of our community for their overwhelming co-operation and commitment.

You will now be aware that officers and staff are in communities right across Lanarkshire 24 hours a day, at times putting themselves in harm’s way. Social distancing, staying at home, are the key interventions to curtail the spread of coronavirus.

We will always seek to be fair, reasonable and proportionate. I ask all within our community to continue their support and co-operation as demonstrated in recent weeks.

Please – stay home, stay safe, and follow the guidance. Do not make personal exemptions for your own circumstances.

If you are out and about, officers may ask you why. I would encourage you to engage with officers, explain your circumstances, then listen to and act upon any advice given.

I recognise this is an extremely difficult time, particularly last week during the Easter holiday period when in normal circumstances we would all be expecting to be out and about, enjoying the good weather and seeing family and friends. But I ask that everyone accepts the changes to our daily lives and the personal sacrifices required. Because, ultimately, it will be to the benefit of us all. If we all do the right thing to maintain social distancing, stay home and keep safe, we will protect the NHS.

Do not call 101 or 999 for guidance on COVID19. Misuse of 101 and 999 could cost lives.