Policing and Covid-19 - by Brian Blake

Lib Dem Candidate for Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner May 2021 writes:

Frontline police in Devon and Cornwall have called for more enforcement of COVID-19 regulations, with less emphasis on encouragement or engagement. This reflects the recurring confusion over guidance for police officers, which has been created by the Government's mixed messaging about the regulations. It all sound like a speech from Vicky Pollard in Little Britain: "No but, yeah but, no but".

A constable takes an oath to uphold and enforce the law and while this has to be tempered by judgement at the time, no-one should tell him or her not to obey this oath. The decision not to proceed with a charge is taken by the CPS on public interest grounds or because it is not likely to succeed in court.

The problem is that there have been statements by many people - including MPs, academics and journalists - about our rights and liberties in relation to lockdown regulations. Unfortunately, there have been precious few corresponding statements about our individual and collective responsibilities in this time of national emergency.

The maximum fine is £10,000 for those who organise house parties, raves and protest rallies against restrictions. Should the courts impose these fines more often? And is it time for the Government to consider a mandatory prison sentence in addition to the fine for those whose actions create "super-spreader events" with the potential to infect and kill people - and break the NHS?

Brian Blake

Lib Dem Candidate for Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner May 2021.