Police say no to No 10 suggestion of military back- up

POLICE CHIEFS have dismissed suggestions troops could be drafted in to free up officers so they can focus on enforcing tougher coronavirus rules.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson hinted at military support for police officers as he announced tougher measures which could be in force for up to six months in a bid to slow the spread of the virus.

But police chiefs said military involvement was not anticipated to be needed, as they warned officers would be stepping up patrols in “high- risk areas”.

Mr Johnson said: “We will provide the police and local authorities with the extra funding they need, a greater police presence on our streets, and the option to draw on military support where required to free up the police.”

Downing Street said the military would be able to help fulfil certain police duties such as office roles and guarding protected sites to free up officers and would not be granted “additional powers”.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “This would involve the military back- filling certain duties, such as office roles and guarding protected sites, so police officers can be out enforcing the virus response.

“This is not about providing any additional powers to the military, or them replacing the police in enforcement roles, and they will not be handing out fines.”

The Ministry of Defence said it had 500 military personnel available to help with “armed guarding duties” if needed by the Home Office, but added: “The military will not be undertaking any public order or enforcement activities.”

But the National Police Chiefs’ Council chairman Martin Hewitt said: “Any military support must be assessed very carefully.

“At the moment, no military involvement is necessary, nor do we anticipate this will be needed.”

And John Apter, the national chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “This is not what policing has asked for and not what it needs.”