Police federation complains of ‘loose’ lockdown rules
Only a day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson’ announcement of new updated lockdown rules, the Police Federation for England and Wales (PFEW) has derided the new measures as “impossible” to enforce.
According to the PFEW, police officers need “clearer guidance” on the updated lockdown measures as Johnson’s statement is too “loose” and “open to interpretation”.
'Our whole approach to this crisis was about engagement with the public and enforcement as a last resort... this situation has made policing the crisis almost impossible... it is tough but we will do our best' @PFEW_Chair on the new lockdown measures to be introduced @talkRADIO
— Police Federation #StayHomeSaveLives (@PFEW_HQ) May 11, 2020
In yesterday’s announcement the PM said the UK will be transitioning from “staying at home” to “staying alert”.
The ambiguity and confusion inherent in this largely rhetorical shift has had the powerful PFEW up in arms with the federation describing the new approach as “grossly unfair on officers”.
John Apter, chairman of the Police Federation, said further details on the new measures need to be "clear and unambiguous ... explaining what exactly is expected of the public, so that my colleagues can do their level best to police it".
I’ll be live on @LBC at 8.35am talking with @NickFerrariLBC about policing the #COVID19 crisis. With the announcement from the PM the way we police will change but we need clarity on exactly what that means. pic.twitter.com/u243KbuwMm
— John Apter (@PFEW_Chair) May 11, 2020
Apter complained that Johnson's statement came after a week of "mixed messages and the release of some information which, fuelled by media speculation, meant many people acted as though the lockdown had already ended".
"If the message of what is expected of the public is not clear, then it will make the job of policing this legislation almost impossible", Apter added.
The PFEW’s unusually strong reaction to the government’s ill-thought out policy is in keeping with widespread political opposition, notably from the leadership of the UK’s peripheral nations.
The only unambiguous feature of the updated coronavirus guidance is the increase of lockdown fines from £60 to £100, but this will only apply to England.
But critics will no doubt point out that it is hard to penalize breaches of lockdown rules if those rules are not even properly understood by the police.
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