Thank you for your unwavering spirit

These are truly unprecedented times as our region and the country as a whole works to tackle and slow the spread of Covid-19.

First and foremost, I would like to thank the people of Sunderland and South Tyneside for your amazing support and for showing the unwavering community spirit that the North East is famed for over the last few weeks.

Earlier this week, the Government announced proposals to give police new powers to ensure we all comply with the strict stayat-home restrictions that have been put in place.

I want to echo the comments made by Chief Constable Winton Keenen, who issued a statement at the time, making it absolutely clear that the officers who will be required to deal with failures in compliance with this new legislation are those same officers you see every single day protecting and serving your communities.

I’m incredibly proud of the relationship that my officers have with the communities of Sunderland and South Tyneside, and know it is a relationship founded on mutual respect – with high levels of public and community engagement.

That will not change, and as my team prove every single day when dealing with a wide range of incidents, often the best way to resolve an issue is to talk to people and reason with them. That approach will continue as we continue to tackle the Coronavirus outbreak together. However, if people are putting the lives of others at risk because of their own activities or actions, we will – where necessary and appropriate – make use of whatever legislation is available to stop this from happening and safeguard those we serve.

I wish you and your family good health and strength as we head through these turbulent times, and I look forward to catching up with you all when we reach the other side.