John Apter:

The word unprecedented is often used to describe the severity of the crisis we all face. Change has been more rapid than any of us could ever have expected in our lifetime.

Police officers are part of the fabric of society and none of us wanted the Prime Minister’s drastic measures to become reality, but difficult choices have had to be made to stop the spread of Covid-19. This has meant unprecedented changes to our laws to address the seriousness of the situation.

The nature of policing is changing dramatically. We have left what could be called “business as usual” and are dealing with new laws to help stem the spread of this pandemic.

Officers patrol the streets based on consent. The public are the police and the police are the public and rely on the generosity, decency and the support of the communities we serve.

This relationship cannot be allowed to break down. We all have a moral duty to uphold the rule of law and look out for each other.

We’ve seen government stepping up to the mark on a daily basis. Home Secretary Priti Patel has also been particularly supportive. But there is a real threat we are moving towards even more additional emergency powers if people do not stay at home.

To avoid this, we require the public to help us and our other emergency service colleagues by listening to the latest advice and adhering to it. This will allow officers to concentrate on keeping the public safe and dealing with the response as best we can. These short-term changes to the freedoms we usually enjoy will save lives and support the sterling work being done by the NHS, as well as helping my hard-working colleagues too.

The practicalities of policing a lockdown are enormously challenging. But I can assure you, officers will tirelessly do all they can to keep the public safe.

I know most of the public will heed the Government’s advice. But legislation will put in place plans to deal with those who do not. We will not tolerate irresponsible, potentially life-threatening behaviour.

The Prime Minister’s instructions were a plea for us all to act. While the police service will play its part, individuals need to self-police themselves, their friends and family.

My colleagues will certainly be involved when there are groups of people behaving irresponsibly. This will be hugely challenging but we will continue to conduct ourselves compassionately and professionally.

If you don’t heed the Government’s advice, it is likely further steps may need to be taken; further laws and emergency legislation could be introduced to clamp down harder on selfishness in the face of the fight against this virus. This is about saving lives.

None of us wants new, harsher measures. I have been a police officer for more than 27 years, and it is the last thing I want. But either the public heed the warnings and stay at home, or the fight against Covid-19 will be longer and more will likely be affected.

From my experience as a police officer, I know the public does not wish this to happen. So, I ask everybody to be responsible and to remain indoors.