Police chief’s public message

Unprecedented, significant and dynamic – these words continue to be used to describe the current challenges we are all facing as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, and I could not agree with them more. Life as we all know it has quickly changed, and it is a test for us all.

Since the new law designed to slow the spread of coronavirus was introduced on March 24, your local police officers have been carrying out high-visibility patrols day and night to keep our communities safe and support the National Health Service. But it’s a very different beat our officers are now patrolling, with streets and communities quieter than ever before.

First and foremost, I want to thank the vast majority of the public for your support so far and for adhering to the guidance set out by the Scottish Government.

The response we have received has been overwhelmingly positive and, in the face of such challenging circumstances, this has never been needed more. We have been given extraordinary powers that police would not normally wish to have given our strong history of policing by consent, however this is an extraordinary situation and one which everybody – collectively – needs to play their part in addressing.

We also recognise that this is a significant change to the way people live their lives and we all need to adjust to that. Wherever our officers encounter people outside, we will engage with them if necessary to establish their circumstances, explain the guidance and encourage them to comply with it if they are doing something that is putting others at risk.

Only as a very last resort will enforcement action be used where people continue to defy the clear advice being given. Last week, officers were called to a property in Dundee following concern calls about a house party. Despite initially leaving the property, one man defied the advice provided and returned, subsequently receiving a fixed penalty notice. This type of behaviour is selfish and irresponsible and will not be tolerated.

If you haven’t done so already, I urge you to visit the Scottish Government website to understand fully what is being asked of us all – (https://www.gov.scot). The legal instructions on not leaving your home without a reasonable excuse apply to everyone and individuals must not make personal exemptions bespoke to their own circumstances. With the Easter weekend approaching, I appreciate this will be more frustrating than ever however effective social distancing is essential to protect each other, support key workers, take strain from the NHS and save lives.

I would like to take this chance on behalf of Tayside Division to thank our colleagues within health and social care, other key workers and all the volunteers who are doing a heroic job providing medical care and support to vulnerable people.

Our officers and staff are also displaying great strength and commitment, and we are doing everything we can to support them. There is no denying that the demand on us all will only increase but I can assure you that we will continue to provide the best service possible and deal appropriately and robustly with those who break the law to ensure the public is kept safe from risk and harm.

Please look after yourselves, your families and your loved ones.

Chief Superintendent Andrew Todd is Tayside divisional commander.

Mr Todd has thanked the public for their co-operation during the crisis.