Public’s urged to ‘self-police’ rules
Northumbria Police will take a tough stance against coronavirus rule breakers but the public is being urged to ‘selfpolice’ by the Police Crime Commissioner due to added pressures on the force.
No rthu m b r i a Po l ic e and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness has said that people have a responsibility to ‘selfpolice’ as the region is in a third lockdown.
Under the lockdown measures, you are only permitted to leave your home for a limited number of reasons; to shop for essentials, exercise, to work if you are unable to work from home, to seek medical assistance or to escape from domestic abuse.
Ms McGuiness said: “The regulations are clear. Before you push the boundaries or take a risk, think of the potential consequences of your actions.
“Everyone has a role to play. Stay at home unless it is absolutely necessary. This is for the good of our families, our region and our country.”
This comes as Assistant Chief Constable Scott Hall says that officers would be sent out to investigate reports from the public of suspected breaches of the legislation “where it is proportionate to do so” as the police force must balance its Covid response with other incidents and crimes.
He said: “It is important to remember other demands remain.”
Police say officers will continue to engage with people as much as possible and will speak to people about the restrictions and offer advice to those who have mistakenly broken. However, fines will be issued to those knowingly breaking the rules.
Assistant Chief Constable Scott Hall said: “As we have previously made clear, we won’t waste time with endless encouragement for people who knowingly break the rules, undermine the efforts of others and ultimately endanger lives. They should expect to receive enforcement action.”
Ms McGuinness said: “By choosing not to follow the rules you are choosing to put people’s lives at risk and that is unacceptable. And so I make no apology for police officers taking tough action against those deliberately endangering the health of others.
Northumbria Police has said it will ensure that businesses which do remain open are operating in accordance with the regulations and will support them in addressing unacceptable behaviour by customers.