Police officers are 'scapegoats' for government's poor coronavirus laws

Brian Booth, the chair of the West Yorkshire Police Federation has spoken out on the challenges England's third national lockdown is bringing to policing and the reality of what officers are facing as they work to keep people safe.

"My colleagues are between a rock and a hard place with a public which have polar opinions in regard to the Covid-19 regulations," he said.

"On one side you have those who think the regulations should not apply to them and will seek every opportunity to twist the rules to suit their personal benefit, then you have those who are crying out for a strong enforcement line because they are in fear of Covid spreading.

“Walking a tightrope between maintaining public confidence and upholding the law is not made easy with poor guidance.

“At the end of the first lockdown, I highlighted the difficulties officers were facing when it came down to trying to help police the pandemic with such woolly laws - roll on six months and we are still in the same position.

“Do not insert it into guidance that has no legal standing.

“The NHS is in crisis, my colleagues have a part to play in protecting the NHS and upholding law. Please have a review of what you expect and don’t keep leaving my colleagues hung out to dry.”

Mr Booth's comments come after police tactics were put under scrutiny when Derbyshire Police handed out £200 fines to two women who drove separately to go for a walk to a remote beauty spot situated around five miles from their homes.

John Apter, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, told BBC Breakfast on Sunday the guidance "needs to be absolutely crystal-clear, not only for the public but also for my colleagues" and a review would be necessary after the Derbyshire incident.

She said: "Our police officers are working tirelessly to keep us safe. Not only are they continuing to take criminals off our streets, but they are also playing a crucial role in controlling the spread of the virus.

"The vast majority of the public have supported this huge national effort and followed the rules.

"But the tragic number of new cases and deaths this week shows there is still a need for strong enforcement where people are clearly breaking these rules to ensure we safeguard our country's recovery from this deadly virus.

"Enforcing these rules saves lives. It is as simple as that. Officers will continue to engage with the public across the country and will not hesitate to take action when necessary."