Police win lockdown praise

POLICE watchdogs have commended Leicestershire Police for its effective approach to enforcement during the coronavirus pandemic.

In a virtual meeting, members of Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Lord (Willy) Bach’s Ethics and Complaints Committee praised police officers for the way they had handled new powers to help stop the spread of the virus and their resilience in the face of unprecedented demand.

The committee heard how the force had needed to adopt new policing strategies to support the UK’s efforts to protect the public, with almost daily changes in restrictions and enforcement powers during the height of the crisis.

Members were impressed with the force’s focus on preserving and safeguarding lives, only using enforcement when absolutely necessary.

Chair of the Committee, Karen Chouhan, said: “I’m so proud of Leicestershire Police right now – a 10-point Covid plan focused almost entirely on people’s safety and health, while business continuity was also maintained including monitoring for any rises in hate crime.”

Speaking after the meeting, Lord Bach, said: “I wholeheartedly support the praise given to those frontline officers who worked throughout the pandemic with little thought or concern for their own safety.

“Against rapidly changing advice and enforcement responsibilities, the force remained measured, proportionate and effective in the way it handled this health emergency, only using their powers as a last resort.

“I’m proud of the sensitive way officers responded to the challenges and the emphasis on positive engagement. The majority of people in Leicestershire really did heed the warnings and stayed at home to protect the NHS and their efforts have made a difference.”

The PCC’s Ethics, Integrity and Complaints Committee was established to provide greater accountability to the public of policing processes including the complaints system and hold the force to account for its decisions as well as ensure the highest level of integrity and professionalism is maintained.

Due to social distancing rules in the pandemic, meetings are currently being held virtually and recorded for the public and media.

Committee members also discussed performance reports on hate crime and supporting victims as well as recruitment developments and efforts to increase diversity of the workforce.

The meeting is available viewing on the PCC website at: for