Public back police over their handling of coronavirus crisis
POLICE have asked for views on how they have used their powers during the coronavirus - and received backing in Macclesfield.
Cheshire Constabulary launched the public survey on Wednesday, April 22, asking questions about their response to the Covid-19 crisis and lockdown.
It comes following some claims that Cheshire Constabulary were accused of going over the top in a handful of instances.
But when the survey was publicised online Macclesfield residents gave police their support.
Officers have been patrolling hotspots for people meeting such as South Park and Jasmine Park and continually asked people to respect the rules.
Skateparks have also been used as meeting points and officers have even had to stop games of football.
John Cole said: “I’m just presuming but I would imagine most accusations of police going over the top are coming from people who don’t like to be told what to do.
“After six weeks of lock down apart from noticing a higher police presence at times I’ve not noticed any difference.”
Gayle Jepson said: “I have noticed more people sunbathing in parks.
“I think most people are treating this period as a holiday not a life or death situation. Bring out more police and more fines.”
And Andy Dorey said: “The police need to be tougher to many trying to twist the rules to suit themselves.
“This pandemic affects all of us so let’s see more fined and made to see the rules are for all of us.”
New public health regulations have been put in place to strengthen the powers that the police have to deal with those not following ‘stay at home’ measures.
These powers include issuing a fine of up to £120 for repeat offenders.
As well as the survey, a panel that holds the Cheshire police commissioner to account will also ask what measures are in place to prevent officers being ‘overzealous’.
A Cheshire Police spokesman said: “In these unprecedented times and with so much change to our normal lives, it is important to us that we ask what you think of the policing response to COVID 19 in Cheshire.
”Officers and staff are out in your community 24/7, carrying out duties on your behalf and helping to keep you safe.
“Your feedback is important to us and will influence how we continue to do our duty.”
The survey can be found at https://www. cheshire.police.uk/news/ cheshire/news/ articles/2020/4/policingpowers-survey/.