Police told they have no powers to enforce social

POLICE have been told they have no powers to enforce two-metre social distancing in England.

Fresh guidelines issued by the College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs’ Council urges officers to only enforce what is written in law, adding that “Government guidance is not enforceable; for example, two-metre distancing, avoiding public transport, or the wearing of face coverings in enclosed spaces”.

The advice, set out in a document published yesterday after being sent out to forces on Tuesday night, follows updated legislation coming into force.

Neither the original Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 from March 26 nor the amendment enacted at 12.01am yesterday states that keeping two metres apart is a legal requirement. Published guidance previously issued to forces on how to police the original rules in England did not address whether two-metre social distancing was enforceable.

By contrast, two-metre social distancing “is enforceable” by police officers in Wales, the advice says. But Welsh councils, not police forces, are responsible for making sure there is social distancing in workplaces, it adds.

Referring officers to the updated law in England for more information, the notice reiterates: “People are still not allowed to leave or be outside of their homes without a reasonable excuse.

“The regulations update the list of examples of reasonable excuses, but officers’ judgment and discretion are key – apply the four Es (engage, explain, encourage, enforce).”

The document adds: “Enforcement is a last resort.”