Police chief tells of his ‘reservations’

The top police officer in Scotland has expressed “reservations” about controversial new coronavirus quarantine rules, and revealed his officers would only play a limited role in enforcing them.

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone told MSPS the police would act as a “backstop” when it comes to ensuring that people who have entered the country from abroad isolate for two weeks.

He also revealed that the guidance for officers was still being completed yesterday, despite the quarantine regulations coming into force on Monday.

The border rules have been set by the UK Government, although devolved administrations are responsible for much of the enforcement and compliance.

People who fail to comply can face a £480 fine in Scotland, which is lower than the £1,000 penalty in England.

Holyrood’s policing sub-committee had already heard doubts from the Scottish Police Federation about whether the rules would be enforceable, however, and the group of MSPS was told yesterday by John Scott QC, chairman of a police advisory group on coronavirus powers, that they were a “mess”.

Mr Livingstone admitted it had been a “difficult” and “challenging” process, as he gave evidence to the same committee.

“I had reservations about the demands potentially being put on policing,” he said.

“I also had reservations about that relationship of trust, about, if you like, the police knocking on people’s doors who in essence were not committing any level of offence, were not committing any level of harm.

“But it’s a balance that was to be struck because of the public health imperative.

“So, I think it has been difficult for the legislation to be implemented. I think the speed of it has been a challenge, and the awareness and understanding.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was asked about the remarks at her daily coronavirus briefing.

She said: “We have very deliberately tried to make sure, in how we look to enforcement here, that we are not overburdening the police.”