Complaints against officers

[Fedster + 1,307]

Updated guidance sent out to forces the night before new lockdown rules come into force.
 

Date - 13th May 2020
By - Police Oracle 

Two-metre social distancing will be enforceable in Wales but not in England a new document circulated by the NPCC and the College of Policing to all forces on Tuesday night states.

The advice follows updated legislation coming into force today.

Neither the original Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 nor the amendment enacted at 12.01am on Wednesday address social distancing specifically, so keeping two metres apart in certain circumstances is not a legal requirement.

By contrast, two metre social distancing is enforceable by officers in Wales, the advice says. But Welsh councils, not police forces, are responsible for making sure there is social distancing in workplaces, it adds.

Referring officers to the updated law in England for more information, the notice reiterates: "People are still not allowed to leave or be outside of their homes without a reasonable excuse.”

Detailing the extension of the list of reasonable excuses and businesses which are now allowed to open - including trips to garden centres, outdoor sports facilities, open countryside and parks, or to meet one member of another household in public, or take part in house viewings if trying to buy or sell a property - it also sets out clearly that "gatherings of three or more people (from different households) are not permitted."

Going on holiday, including visiting or staying overnight at a holiday home or second home, and visiting the homes of friends and family (except where to protect or care for a vulnerable person), are not considered reasonable excuses, forces are advised.

Officers were also urged to be aware of differences in legislation in Wales and Scotland, particularly when patrolling towns and villages on the borders and encountering people travelling to outdoor spaces there.

The document said: "Travelling to outdoor spaces in Wales and Scotland for recreation (not exercise) may result in offences being committed.”

Martin Hewitt, Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said officers would continue with their four Es of engage, explain, encourage, enforce and predicted the public with continue to abide with the laws.

Fines have been increased, and will now start at £100, which will be lowered to £50 if paid within 14 days. This will double on each further repeat offence up to £3,200.

“The efforts of the public mean police officers have rarely had to enforce the government regulations so far. I am confident the vast majority will continue to do their bit and follow guidance in this next stage," Mr Hewitt said.

“We are all now able to spend much more time outdoors and each of us need to take responsibility for doing that within the social restrictions set out by the Government. Our approach will continue use common sense and discretion, and to engage, explain, encourage and, only as a last resort, enforce.”
 

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[BlueBob + 691]

Not keen on the phrasing of reasonable 'excuses' to leave home.  They are not excuses, it's not an excuse to say I'm going to/from work, it's not an excuse to say that they're going food shopping etc ... they are lawful reasons.  

[Reasonable Man + 1,231]

52 minutes ago, BlueBob said:

Not keen on the phrasing of reasonable 'excuses' to leave home.  They are not excuses, it's not an excuse to say I'm going to/from work, it's not an excuse to say that they're going food shopping etc ... they are lawful reasons.  

They are ‘reasonable excuses’ it uses that term in the legislation. Regulation 6(1) and (2). 

[BlueBob + 691]

11 hours ago, Reasonable Man said:

They are ‘reasonable excuses’ it uses that term in the legislation. Regulation 6(1) and (2). 

Missed it - thanks. I’m sure you know what I mean though, this is the sort of vagueness of quick legislation that will make enforcement all the more challenging.