Policing ourselves

Enforcement of rules unlikely

IN THE past few weeks, police officers up and down the country have had to rapidly get to grips with major changes in legislation to help them enforce the coronavirus lockdown.

They have not always managed to get it right but that is perhaps no surprise given the extent to which their day-to-day jobs have been changed. Now as legislation has been updated as the lockdown is eased, officers have been issued with guidance that they have no powers to enforce what has merely been advised by the Government on issues such as two-metre social distancing, avoiding public transport or the wearing of face coverings.

With reasonable excuses for leaving the home now expanded to include activities such as meeting up with another family member in public, trips to garden centres and participating in house viewings, the reality is the police will only be likely to be able to identify the most egregious law-breakers – especially as enforcement is seen as a last resort.

It essentially means the only people truly policing the lockdown are the public themselves, who have overwhelmingly followed the lockdown rules to date. However, the temptation to circumvent them is undoubtedly growing among some; especially given the perception that there is a lack of fairness and logic in rules that allow nannies to work in the homes of the wealthy but prevents grandparents not just helping with childcare but even seeing their grandchildren.

But following the new guidance properly to reduce transmission of the virus isn’t just about helping the police, it is about helping to save lives, including those of loved ones.