Police to only intervene over virus as last resort; here’s why – Mark Burns-Williamson

We have changing restrictions depending on area, more regulations introduced and a degree of uncertainty that changes daily and which can be confusing for all.

Here Leeds has now joined Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees as a Covid-19 ‘area of intervention’ and it is crucial that we understand and realise the importance of reducing infections.

With Wakefield being the latest ‘area of concern’ to be announced, it is not beyond the realms of comprehension that we may soon see the entirety of West Yorkshire under the same increased measures.

The fact that new rules have been applied to Northern cities on almost a weekly basis should be a clear indicator as to the seriousness of the situation and the direction we are heading. It has never been more important that we work together to keep one another safe.

But these extra challenges require extra support from Government to match the pressures facing the police and local authorities.

With crime levels back to near ‘normal’, it is imperative that we see such resources translated into palpable solutions, enabling the police and local authorities to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour at the same time as monitoring and implementing Covid regulation changes and legislation that often come through at the last minute.

It was recently cited that Covid-related matters were adding around a thousand calls to the log per day for West Yorkshire Police, on top of 3,500 service calls received. It is a stark reminder of the scale of the task.

I have also heard examples of the difficulties experienced by officers from policing the rule of six in private households to expectations around monitoring isolation periods for those who have returned from abroad, as well as difficulties dealing with groups congregating after pub closing times.

Expecting an already overstretched police force to try and enforce ever changing regulations also aren’t helped by mixed messages coming from Downing Street.

There is an ever increasing need for clear and consistent communication that is also delivered in a timely manner in proper consultation with local authorities and partners.

It is not helpful that police forces and local authorities often learn about new restrictions and how they are to be applied just hours or sometimes minutes before they are due to be imposed.

In my view, there should be greater consultation between the Government and public sector organisations about any new regulations to ensure there is less room for confusion or misinterpretation.

This, in turn, would lead to a more positive experience for the public, and a clearer understanding of what is expected of them.

The introduction of the NHS Track and Trace app is a good example of where more could have been done earlier to understand the potential implications of its use. As we saw publicised in the media, the security ramifications for its use within frontline policing were a concern and could have been anticipated and resolved well before it was rolled out, with the right conversations.

Despite these many challenges, police officers and staff are continuing to play a key role across communities in sharing the crucial messages of safety.

We have seen some large scale gatherings broken up and £10,000 fines given out for example. No one wants to see this happen, but the rules are there to protect the public and keep us safe as far as possible.

However, we should remember that it is first and foremost a public health crisis, with law enforcement playing a role. West Yorkshire Police is quite rightly continuing with the approach of engaging, explaining and encouraging people to do the right thing before taking appropriate enforcement action where necessary.

I am sure communities will want to work with them and each other to help reduce the infection rate, save lives and avoid the need for a firmer approach or indeed increased fines by doing the right thing.

If we do, we will, hopefully, get through this next period safely together more quickly and, at least, get closer to a semblance of normality for all concerned.

Mark Burns-Williamson is police and crime commissioner for West Yorkshire.

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Thank you

James Mitchinson