Avon and Somerset Police is urging anyone tempted to defy social distancing rules over the Easter weekend to remember the thousands of lives coronavirus has already claimed.
Deputy chief constable Sarah Crew said officers will remain highly visible to explain why the lockdown is in place – and hand out fines where they need to.
The force has fined 60 people so far, with every case reviewed by a chief inspector to ensure it was fair and no one was targeted because of their social or racial background.
In a Facebook Live video with police and crime commissioner Sue Mountstevens, Ms Crew said: “Communities in Avon and Somerset in their masses comply with the guidance that’s there.
“It can be tempting [to break the rules]. Over the weekend, teams will be in communities engaging with people, explaining what the guidance is and why it’s there to encourage them to do the right thing.
“In a tiny proportion of cases, we have the ability to use the new regulations to issue a fine.
“We would ask everyone to take responsibility and think of the number of deaths.”
The death toll in the UK now stands at 7,978.
Ms Crew added: “We have some very robust powers – stop and search and use of force.
“We’re used to being able to use them in the right way. We work with communities to explain our powers. We have body-worn cameras so there’s transparency.
“There have been just over 60 fines since it started. A chief inspector reviews the footage of every one.
“We’ve also brought in experts in our external scrutiny panel to help us as representatives of the public to look at how we’re using the powers.
“We want to make sure there’s no disproportionate use and it’s fair.”
Ms Mountstevens said: “We want to look back at this time and think we did our best. We can’t be complacent.
“We’re coming into Easter. It would be easy to think it doesn’t matter if you go out.
“It does matter. We would waste everything we’ve worked so hard on.
“We will get through this, but we need to work together.”
The regular videos are a chance for the police to answer questions from the public.
Ms Mountstevens said many people remain confused about what “essential travel” means.
Ms Crew said: “Everyone should stay at home unless it’s essential to go out. Looking after vulnerable people is one of the reasons why you can go out.
“We should stay at home and work from home where we can. There are some professions where it’s not possible, like gardeners, therefore travel is OK.
“The guidance around social distancing must be applied in the workplace as well.”
Asked about safety measures in custody, she said staff are given the necessary personal protective equipment and detainees are isolated if they show any symptoms.
Video conferencing facilities are available so they can speak to solicitors or translators.
The next Facebook Live will be at 2.30pm on 16th April. Questions can be sent to [email protected].
Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporter
You can find the latest coronavirus information, advice and community updates for the Bath & North East Somerset area on our dedicated live blog here.
