Police sceptical about enforcing new powers
POLICE leaders signalled concern yesterday at the difficulty of enforcing “social distancing” as part of the Government’s battle to curb the coronavirus pandemic.
John Apter, the chairman of the Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers in England and Wales, said he “could not imagine” how officers could police the ban on gatherings of more than two people.
Police fear the extra demands could distract them from maintaining law and order as officers are also increasingly hit by the coronavirus. Ten per cent are currently off sick or self-isolating, up from four per cent last week.
Under Boris Johnson’s plan, officers will get new powers to break up gatherings of three people or more and enforce them by issuing fixed penalty fines starting at £30. They will not, however, be expected to stop people leaving their homes.
Referring to the earlier suggestion by Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, that police could require people to follow the rules, Mr Apter said: “I would urge politicians to think before they make such bold statements. I just cannot rationally think how that would work.”
Mr Apter also criticised the “mixed messaging” of the Government during the crisis. “There is significant confusion and lack of clarity of messaging, not only from certain parts of the Government but within policing itself.
“We want to do the right thing but clarification is needed. Mixed messages for officers are deeply unhelpful.”
The Police Federation also raised concerns with the Government when the pub, club and restaurant closure was ordered on Friday, saying it was not the police’s responsibility to enforce it.
“Clearly there is a part for the police to play in this, if that is needed, but it is a local authority matter and police should not be the ‘go-to’,” he said.
As a result, Trading Standards officers and local councils have been delegated
by the Government to govern the closures, enforced with fixed penalties and the threat of loss of licences.
Police sources warned that resources could only get more stretched as Britain was only in the “foothills” of the disease outbreak, which was likely to last four to six months.
Yet, already, said Mr Apter, there was a “considerable” number of officers self-isolating. “Despite what some
people say, it is not business as usual. We are policing by crisis and things are going to get worse,” he said.
The changes were signed off by Cobra, which was attended by Martin Hewitt, chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council. His concern, expressed at the weekend, is that any new responsibilities should not undermine the British tradition of policing by consent. He said: “If we end up on the streets, then I think the really important point to make is that we will carry on doing our policing role in the way that we police the UK, which is that traditional role of being in communities, policing with consent.”
Mr Hewitt added: “We are working with the government and other agencies to consider how these new rules can be most effectively enforced.”
Police have also warned ministers that they cannot be held responsible for policing the supermarkets, which have been hit by panic buying.
“A concern is security around the supermarkets. People are already turning up three hours before opening. If there are these new restrictions that prevent them acting in that ridiculous way, they might think I am going to force my way into the supermarket and grab the food,” said a police source.
Responding to those concerns yesterday, Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, told MPS that she was ruling out sending police into supermarkets saying it’s “not appropriate”.
Instead, she said, the Home Office was working with the Security Industry Association – the body responsible for accrediting guards who work in shops. A top-level meeting between
Government and supermarket chiefs to address security following the new restrictions is due within days.
Police also see the need for tougher protections for supermarket staff.
“We are heading to the point where courts will need to take offences against supermarket workers very seriously,” said a police source.
‘We want to do the right thing but clarification is needed. Mixed messages for officers is deeply unhelpful.’
‘Despite what people say, it is not business as usual. We are policing by crisis and things are getting worse’
The moves come on top of new legislation, agreed yesterday by MPS, that will give police, public health and immigration officers special powers to detain people who are refusing to follow health guidance and limit their movements to stop the spread of coronavirus.
The authorities will also “be able to direct individuals to attend, remove them to, or keep them at suitable locations for screening and assessment”.
Legal powers already exist for the police to arrest anyone failing to comply, with the courts having the power to impose fines of £1,000.