LAYING A small minority not listening
WITH DIVISIONAL COMMANDER CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT ALAN MURRAY
Firstly, in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic I‘m pleased to say that the vast majority of people in Renfrewshire are continuing to do the right thing and comply with the government’s social distancing guidance.
This is, of course, universally recognised as the best way to protect the NHS and save lives, and it seems evident that the requirement to stay at home as much as possible will remain in place for some weeks yet.
I do recognise that this can be challenging but I do not think anyone would seriously argue that the measures taken have not been necessary.
As you will all know, the police have been given powers to ensure that social distancing legislation is adhered to as far as possible.
However, our firm preference is to police by consent and we would far rather make a contribution to keeping people safe by engaging, encouraging and explaining rather than resorting to enforcement measures such as issuing a ‘ticket’.
This approach has proved to be very successful but, unfortunately, we have seen a consistent level of noncompliance by a small minority who seem intent on wilfully disobeying the regulations, as opposed to just not understanding what they should be doing.
We have tried to address this by ensuring the individuals involved knew what the legal requirements are, engaged with them positively and only if they continued to refuse to comply with the regulations despite the advice they had been given would we move to enforcement as a last resort.
In an very small number of cases Fixed Penalty Notices were issued.
Most of these have been in relation to groups of people congregating in public places with others from outwith their own household and in some cases having house parties.
My officers will continue to carry out patrols to keep people as safe as they can be.
On a similar note, I have been heartened by the fact that it is clear the overwhelming majority of citizens in Renfrewshire are pulling together in what are difficult times and supporting key workers of all descriptions as they go about their duties.
Indeed, my officers have received many expressions of support and admiration and believe me when I say this, it does make a world of difference.
There are however a small minority taking an opposite approach.
Late last Monday officers were called to the report of a fire within Ferguslie Gardens, Paisley.
On their arrival a number of youths were seen making off.
At the same time our colleagues from the Scottish Fire and Rescue arrived and extinguished a rubbish fire.
While officers were dealing with this incident their marked police vehicle became the target of a vandalism whereby a brick was thrown at the car damaging the rear windscreen.
These actions might have prevented this crew attending an emergency call when our help was desperately needed.
I am sure you share my dismay at such idiotic behaviour.
If you have any information regarding these incidents please phone 101 or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.