Please see update below from the Suffolk Police Chief Superintendent, Kim Warner:
“It maybe a new year but the current Covid-19 pandemic and its associated challenges
remains and continues to face us all.
The government announcement of a third national lockdown is a bitter pill to swallow
but it is an necessary one. The message is simple – please stay at home to protect
the NHS and save lives. It’s especially important as we are also combatting a new and
more infectious strain of the virus. We have seen a rapid rise in positive cases across
the country and in Suffolk so let’s do everything we can to stop the spread of this virus.
From a Suffolk police perspective our approach to policing the pandemic has not
changed. We will engage with people, explain the rules and encourage people to
follow them. We are months into this pandemic and we all know the basic rules.
I make no apology for our officers who will be asking questions and will be inquisitive
about why individuals may be out of their homes. The justified reasons are outlined
below, however, I cannot be clearer – those who are blatantly ignoring the restrictions
will be given a fine as their actions are putting others at risk through their behaviour.
Enforcement will be carried out when required and will be proportionate, but officers will
not waste time endlessly encouraging those who commit the most serious breaches.
You must not leave or be outside of your home except where necessary. You may
leave the home to:
• shop for things you need, for you or a vulnerable person
• go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do
so from home
• exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person.
• meet your support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary
• seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic
abuse)
• attend education or childcare – for those eligible
Of course, we as a police force are not immune to the virus and we regularly remind all
our officers and staff to adhere to the appropriate hygiene measures, wear the correct
personal protective equipment and where they can, operationally, are socially distancing
to ensure safe working. You can rest assured that responding to emergencies is our
daily business and we have detailed plans in place to deal with any staff shortages, to
make sure we can continue to deliver our core services and respond to urgent calls
and protecting people from harm. That will always be our priority.
Take care of yourselves, each other and thank you for your on-going support.
Ch/Supt Kim Warner
Suffolk Police – community update, 7th January 2021
pdf, 278 KB
