Tougher policing of
lockdown rules ‘will
hit public support’
Government instigates a major ramping up of Covid enforcement but the former chief of Durham Police wants its message to remain simple
9 January 2021 • 9:30pm
Three police officers wearing face masks question a man sitting on a bench in St James s Park in central London
Credit: London News Pictures Ltd
Tougher police enforcement of the new lockdown rules will “damage” the public’s support for restrictions because people will believe officers are being overzealous and “unfair”, a former chief constable has warned.
Mike Barton, who used to run Durham Police, urged the Government to keep its message “simple” and avoid repeatedly changing rules so both police and the public were clear what they should do during the nationwide lockdown.
Tonbridge Covid marshal hired by private contractors TMS Protection removed after aggressive stop and search
|
Updated: 12:17, 09 January 2021
A coronavirus marshal has been removed with immediate effect after carrying out an aggressive stop and search in a Kent town centre.
The street wardens, wearing hi-vis jackets, have been deployed at the order of the UK government to offer advice on social distancing and encourage people to wear face masks to help prevent the spread of the virus.
Tonbridge cleaner Floyd Langridge, 44, says the Covid marshals abused their position
They have no enforcement powers, but Tonbridge resident Floyd Langridge says a Covid marshal abused his position when he was chased and grabbed outside Waitrose in Sovereign Way, near Tonbridge High Street, on December 10.
Share
Mr Langridge told Kent Online: There were crowds of people going into the post office and not social distancing, but the two marshals were not interested in that at all.
So what powers do Covid Marshals have?
Those breaking the rules can expect a £100 fine from police, which will then double on each repeat offence up to £3,200, with the Covid marshals also introduced in a bid to improve the enforcement capacity of local authorities.
Some councils already have marshals who go to busy areas and give advice if people are not social distancing.
They also explain the rules, such as wearing a face mask on public transport.