Covid fears put a halt to police stop and search
Off icers to keep their distance in pandemic
FEAR of coronavirus infection is having a severe impact on how police fight crime, reducing the number of officers sent to incidents and ending stop and searches.
It is now deemed too dangerous for officers to search suspected criminals unless ‘absolutely necessary’ due to the risk of infection.
Police Scotland is also limiting how many officers attend incidents to reduce their interaction with the public and, where possible, try to resolve disputes by telephone.
The safeguards come as the country’s police chief is lobbying for officers to be given the Covid vaccine as a priority amid fears that they are virus ‘super spreaders’.
Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said it was ‘imperative’ for officers and civilian staff to be kept safe as they work to uphold coronavirus laws, adding that he would continue to press ministers on vaccinating police personnel.
Yet despite the restrictions on their duties, Police Scotland has assured the public that the police are still offering a ‘quality service’.
Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: ‘The coronavirus pandemic presents an unprecedented and dynamic set of challenges which has required us to change the way we work. The safety and welfare of our people has been a concern and a high priority since the pandemic began and we have worked tirelessly to ensure that our people have the PPE and support they need as they continue to play a vital role in the national effort to suppress the virus.’
Police Scotland’s Organisational Risk Assessment, published on New Year’s Eve, outlines the significant changes.
Because of the intimate nature of stop and search, the guidance has advised that officers do not carry it out. It added: ‘We will not execute search or apprehension warrants unless in response to an investigation that presents significant risk to the public.
‘Stop and search activity will reduce and will only be used as a tactical option when absolutely necessary to ensure public safety.’
The guidance adds that fewer police will attend each incident.
It states: ‘Police Scotland have adjusted their operating model and will work to principles of reduced attendance. In all instances, when practicable, officers and staff are encouraged to use mobile and electronic technology to prevent unnecessary contact with the public.’
When called to a medical emergency, officers must also refrain from life-saving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, using other CPR techniques instead. The report says: ‘No mouth-to-mouth resuscitation should be carried out. Cover the person’s mouth to prevent any expelled viral infection. Follow the CPR guidance within the Operational Guidance document.’
It also states that ‘if possible’ police officers who attend sudden death scenes must leave it to undertakers to move bodies.
The bodies must then ideally be left for 72 hours before being investigated. Where this is impossible, staff must wear full PPE.
Evidence should also not be collected at sudden death scenes where someone has suspected or confirmed Covid unless it is deemed to be related to a crime.
Meanwhile, police officers are sometimes called to help with searches of prisoners and their cells. They have been told not to carry out intimate searches on coronavirus patients so they do not breach two metre (6ft) distancing guidance and thus risk infection.
The document reads: ‘Intimate searches of prisoners suspected or confirmed as having Covid-19 will not be undertaken. In such circumstances the prisoner should be placed on constant observation.’
The Deputy Chief Constable added: ‘The quality of service we provide has been maintained in these exceptional circumstances.’
Earlier this month, the Scottish Police Federation general secretary Calum Steele said that since stricter rules governing house parties began in August police had attended almost 7,000 such events, then continued with other duties.
He said officers ‘are the very epitome of state-designed super spreaders’.
‘Unprecedented and dynamic challenges’ ‘Quality of service has been maintained’