‘Virus rule-break police staff need dressing down’
AN MP has called for seven police workers to be given a “good dressing down” if they are found to have broken coronavirus legislation.
Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman said it was “disappointing” to hear seven West Yorkshire Police employees were being investigated for breaking coronavirus rules between March and October last year.
The details of the alleged misconduct were disclosed following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the force.
Asked in the FOI request about breaches of Covid-19 legislation by officers, community support officers and other staff, the force said: “West Yorkshire Police can confirm as at the time this request was made, there are seven ongoing investigations into relevant conduct cases.
“As these are ongoing investigations, West Yorkshire Police are unable to provide you with any further details at this time.”
The nature of the breaches have not been disclosed but Mr Sheerman, the Labour MP for Huddersfield, said a “good dressing down” would be a fitting punishment if the cases were found proven.
He said officers were doing a very stressful job which was made harder by the pandemic.
Mr Sheerman told The Examiner: “We are all human and we make mistakes. If any police officer is found to have broken the rules, a good dressing down (is proportionate). Don’t let us get carried away.” Brian Booth, Chairman of West Yorkshire Police Federation, said it was
important for everyone, including police officers, to follow the law and guidance in relation to Covid-19.
He added: “If any of the reported breaches are confirmed and proved and involve a police officer, they not only have the law to face in respect of
Covid, but also face the double jeopardy of potential misconduct proceedings.
“It is of paramount importance that everybody follows the law and guidance in respect of Covid to help our NHS and save lives.”