Q&As with Devon & Cornwall Police

Tuesday, 31 March, 2020

Local News

With the current situation regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus), Devon & Cornwall Police have pulled together some of the more commonly asked questions you might have.

Please visit gov.uk/coronavirus for the latest official guidance and announcements.

Travel

What is classed as an essential journey?

You should only leave the house for one of four reasons:

Shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible.
One form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household.
Any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person.
Travelling to and from work, but only where you cannot work from home.

These are the exceptions.

I’m a key worker, can a member of my household drive me to and from work?

Yes. The restrictions are in place to help us stop the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and avoiding public transport is a sensible measure. However you choose to travel, be sure to wash your hands when you reach your destination.

My car is due for an MOT. What do I do?

As always, police officers will use their discretion when considering whether or not to enforce the law, taking personal situations into account.

From 30 March 2020, MOT due dates for cars, motorcycles and light vans will be extended by 6 months. This is being done to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Vehicles that are due an MOT before 30 March are subject to different guidance.

You must make sure your vehicle is safe to drive (‘roadworthy’). It can be unsafe even if your MOT expiry date has been extended.

Can I travel on public transport for essential journeys if I avoid peak times?

Yes. Please check with your local transport provider before setting out on any journeys as they may have updated their timetables and be running fewer services. Remember to wash your hands when you arrive at your destination.

Can I drive somewhere to do my daily exercise?

The principles of the Prime Minister's rules are that people should 'stay home' and the regulations are far reaching in order to do everything we can to save lives.

As we have seen in other areas of the country and locally in Devon and Cornwall, if people travel to popular beauty spots then this creates a gathering of significant amounts of people, which makes social distancing more challenging.

Furthermore, the more people we have on our roads then we create increased chances for accidents and breakdowns, which adds pressure on emergency services who are dealing with unprecedented demand.

Our advice to the public is to STAY HOME, do not travel unless absolutely necessary and stick with the spirit of the guidance. We will be instructing our police officers and PCSOs to enforce the guidance and legislation.

Am I allowed to relocate to stay with a vulnerable relative?

If your relative is vulnerable and there is no other way of them getting help through neighbours or any of the voluntary groups that are being set up then you may travel if you can maintain the self-isolation on your journey.

I am a university student living away from home. Can I travel to relocate to the family home?

Yes. Please do not stay in university accommodation unless you have nowhere else to go. Refer directly to your university or college for advice.

Can I go for a drive as long as I don’t exit the car?

Going for a drive is not in the spirit of the rules. Please only leave your home for essential travel. The NHS is already under extreme pressure and having fewer cars on the road will reduce the chances of serious road traffic collisions.

Daily life

I can walk to the beach. Can I still go for a swim?

If you can travel on foot or bike, you can swim as your one form of exercise each day. You must not drive to the beach.

Can I go surfing for my daily exercise?

No. While it might be tempting, especially if you live near the beach, please don’t go surfing. Surfing England, the national governing body for surfing, has issued advice against going surfing.

Can I visit horses? Can horse riding be my exercise for the day?

The British Horse Society is regularly updating advice for those who own a horse.

Are you going to stop tourists visiting?

No, but travelling to a second home or for a holiday is not considered essential travel.

Can I attend a funeral?

Although many businesses are closed, you can still attend funerals where the congregation is immediate family. A carer can also attend if required or a friend if there are no family members attending. You should still keep 2 metres (6 feet) between every household group.

What are police doing if businesses like pubs and restaurants refuse to close?

Environmental Health and Trading Standards officers, with police support if appropriate, are responsible for enforcing regulations requiring businesses, such as pubs, cinemas, theatres and casinos, to close.

Environmental Health and Trading Standards can issue prohibition notices where businesses do not follow these restrictions. In addition, businesses who fail to comply can also receive fines. Continued non-compliance could then lead to the loss of alcohol licenses.

Under the Business Closure regulations introduced on 21 March 2020, officers will have powers to prosecute for breach of regulations.

The local authority environmental health and trading standards officers are responsible for enforcing the regulations requiring businesses such as pubs, cinemas and theatres to close.

You can report businesses that you believe should not be open to Trading Standards at Cornwall Council.

Can I still move house?

If at all possible, you should avoid moving house. If you are legally committed to moving house (for instance your tenancy has come to an end or you have exchanged on a property) it may be difficult to delay. Speak to all the parties involved as soon as possible to try and avoid the need to move

Crime

Is there a heightened risk of fraud and scams?

Yes, we have already seen some instances of fraudsters taking advantage of the situation with reports of telephone scamming and phishing emails.

We are working to ensure the public have the information they need so they are not caught out by opportunistic thieves/scammers.

Phishing emails: There have been reports of coronavirus-themed phishing emails. These attempt to trick people into opening malicious attachments which could lead to fraudsters stealing people’s personal information, email logins and passwords, and banking details. Don’t click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails, and never respond to unsolicited messages and calls that ask for your personal or financial details.

Shopping online: If you’re making a purchase from a company or person you don’t know and trust, carry out some research first, and ask a friend or family member for advice before completing the purchase. If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, use a credit card if you have one, as most major credit card providers insure online purchases.

There is additional information and updates regarding fraud on the Action Fraud website.

How should the elderly and vulnerable protect themselves from opportunist thieves/fraudsters coming door to door?

Being a good neighbour is important, and communities are rallying around to support each other. However, there may be those who seek to exploit the situation also.

Volunteers working with the health and emergency services will be in possession of the necessary DBS arrangements before commencing placements and will be assigned to roles where indemnity cover is in place. They should all have documentation proving their status.

Community volunteering to provide assistance to those most vulnerable in meeting their daily needs will also be likely in the coming months. If people have doubts about those who are approaching them, and are concerned, we advise that they don’t engage and report serious suspicious behaviour to police. The majority of groups are well intentioned, and will be working through charities or through a local authority and should have proof that they are doing so.

What crimes would you no longer respond to? Will you stop arresting people?

There are no crime types that we would no longer respond to and the police will NOT stop arresting people. Each contact to the police for help will be risk assessed. Priority of response will be given to maintaining public order, situations of violence or where life is in danger and where a very vulnerable person is involved. We’re asking the public to be patient as we may take more time to follow up report relating to lower-level crimes.

As a result of social-distancing regulations, it is likely that forces will see a shift in crime patterns – this includes online offences and fraud. As always, we will prioritise available resources from the areas where demand was previously high (such as the night-time economy) to the areas which need it now.

Are you expecting a rise in crimes such as domestic abuse?

Yes, sadly this is likely with more people staying at home and isolated from other friends and family. We are soon to launch a campaign to raise awareness of this issue so please keep an eye on our social media channels.

Domestic abuse is considered a serious crime and the police service is committed to the safety of victims and children during this time of crisis. We want you to seek and receive appropriate support when you need it.

If you or your children are in immediate danger, you should call 999. You can get help and support on our website or access the national domestic abuse helpline or support services online.

Police response to COVID-19 (coronavirus)

Are you going to start arresting people?

There is a power of arrest under the new legislation, which will we will use as a last resort. Our approach will be to maintain our education and engagement approach to persuade individuals to comply with the direction set by Government rather than having to enforce it, as it is in all of our interests. However, if we are left with no other choice, we will arrest people if there is no other option and we have the lawful basis to do so.

Do you want us to report groups of people we see?

Gatherings of more than 2 people are only permitted in very limited circumstances, such as if they are of the same household, if it is necessary for work purposes, to attend a funeral, and if it is reasonably necessary for some situations such as providing care and assistance to a vulnerable person. If you are concerned that you have seen a gathering which contravenes this guidance, we would encourage you to contact us by emailing us via our 101 form on the Force website.

What will you do about closing down any non-compliant businesses e.g. pubs?

The powers are wide ranging, and provide the police with the power to take any necessary steps. We would start with a conversation with those who own the business, to try and persuade them to comply. If necessary we will take firmer action to enforce.

Will you close take away food vans?

Not if food is sold only for consumption away from its premises (which would include seating provided adjacent to the van for the consumption of food) and as long as it does not allow or encourage a gathering of individuals contrary to the Regulations.

What is the worst-case scenario?

We are not anticipating a worst-case scenario, but like every other service, business or organisation; we have a plan to respond to issues caused by COVID-19. We have tried and tested plans to respond to a situation like this, including redeploying officers to areas with a higher demand, scaling back non-urgent areas of policing and using the Special Constabulary. In the worst case COVID-19 scenario, forces would need to focus on and prioritise emergencies and serious crimes.

Would the police be able to respond to severe disorder in prisons?

Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) says it has put in place robust contingency plans. The police work closely with HMPPS and this will continue.

How much will this all cost you, are you applying for special grants?

It’s too early to tell. Forces are keeping tabs on how much additional expenditure this outbreak could lead to. There is an established special grant process in place via the Home Office which forces may consider at a later date.

Police officers and staff

How are you protecting officers?

Public Health England has published guidance to first responders and this has been circulated to all police forces for their officers and staff to follow. In some scenarios, officers and staff will been issued with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimise the risk of work-related infection.

Additional PPE is NOT needed for routine policing activities and will not be worn unless dealing with a suspected Covid-19 case. Public Health additionally advises that it is NOT to be worn when dealing with contacts of suspected cases. PPE which is to be worn when dealing with a person suspected or confirmed as having COVID-19 is: Disposable gloves, Fluid repellent surgical face mask is recommended (if available), Disposable plastic apron (if available) and Disposable eye protection (such as face visor or goggles).

We are working closely with the Government and PHE to manage supplies of PPE like gloves and masks. Questions around stocks of these should be directed to PHE and the Government. Regions are monitoring their stock levels and will redistribute resources where they need to in support of neighbouring areas falling short.

Will officers and staff be told to work from home?

Where possible, police staff and officers on desk duties, who are not showing symptoms or feeling ill, will be asked to work from home. Those who have symptoms and are unable to work, will stay at home and self-isolate.

Are you planning to cancel leave for officers/staff?

Nationally, and locally we have tried and tested plans to respond to a situation like this. This may include the cancellation of rest days and leave.

What is the current level of isolation across the police service?

We will not be sharing isolation rates, as these numbers will ebb and flow over the coming weeks. We are reassuring members of the public that we are coping well and that service continues as normal.

Would you scale back your work?

In order to continue providing core services to our communities in light of the pandemic, we need to maximise our use of volunteers to give us some extra assistance over the coming weeks. Forces will be asking Special Constables if they can volunteer more of their time with the support of their employer. In addition, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) have called employers to release more than 10,000 Special Constables to support the police service in managing the impact of the Coronavirus.

We have also recently asked people who have previously worked for us if they would be willing to offer their services and skills, in some temporary capacity. This is a fast-changing environment and we are still working to define the critical services we may need.

Are you bringing in the Special Constabulary and retired officers/staff?

Day-to-day police work

Can I still report crime to the police?

Yes. The safety and welfare of local communities remains our top priority. Members of the public should continue to call 999 in an emergency where a crime is in progress or there is a threat to life.

If your call is not urgent and can be reported using our online channels, we ask you to do so in order to release the pressure on our emergency lines and resources. We are experiencing high call demand to both our 999 and 101 numbers and our digital services offer you the option to self-report, which will then be prioritised and actioned.

We would advise members of the public to avoid visiting our Public Enquiry Offices unless it is essential. Many of our offices have now closed, with others working to reduced hours.

Members of the public should not call police to report cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and should instead direct their concerns to NHS 111.

Is there a ban on face-to-face meetings? Would that apply to interviewing suspects and taking them into custody?

We have control measures that we can use if we need them. This includes conducting meetings over video or the telephone when it is suitable. Interviews with suspects would only take place if a suspect was well enough. Officers will have access to PPE like gloves and masks if needed. Sensible and proportionate use of bail and released under investigation will be considered – this would not be used for anyone considered to be a risk to the public.

How will you deal with under 18’s not adhering to the government direction?

We will start off by speaking with them, and encouraging them to comply of their own free will. If necessary, we will liaise with an adult with responsibility for that child or young person. There is a power for us to provide a direction to that adult if it is necessary for us to do so.

Will you be relaxing custody arrangements, letting criminals walk free?

No. We will always arrest and detain where it is necessary. During the COVID-19 pandemic officers will consider voluntary attendance rather than arrest in cases where it is safe and proportionate to do so, particularly if suspects are diagnosed or suspected of having COVID-19. This would only apply to low level, low risk cases.

If courts refuse to accept prisoners, what will the police do with them?

We are currently looking at this and are working closely with criminal justice partners to make necessary plans. We do not anticipate this will be a significant issue.

Will the police still be executing warrants?

Yes. Forces will be continuing their normal service unless there is a significant impact on our ability to do so. Commanders will be considering the safest approach in each of their operations and will be briefing officers on aspects of hygiene and safety if these are executed.

Does this affect how I report lost and found property?

Our staffing levels are reduced due to the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and the resources are being redirected so that we can best support to the community. At this time we need to make additional efforts to not handle unnecessary items of found property.

Will the army be brought in to help with enforcement?

There are no current plans for the army to assist with enforcement.

New emergency legislation

What powers do police have under the Bill?

A summary of the coronavirus bill impacts can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-bill-summary-of-impacts/coronavirus-bill-summary-of-impacts

Why is the power needed?

The powers are necessary to help manage the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) where a police officer, in the course of their duties, encounters a person who they suspect is, or may be, infectious.

Will you be detaining sick people using your new powers?

We have a special relationship with the public in this country. We police by consent, and will continue to do so during this emergency. The public will be thinking about the greater good and we encourage them to follow government advice. When the Emergency Bill passes - police officers, in consultation with, or at the request of health professionals, can direct an infected person to go and immediately receive treatment or isolate at home. It is important to note that the power to detain is not the same as that of arrest. Having this virus isn’t a crime, putting others at risk deliberately is.

Why are you doing this now?

We have a novel virus, which is spreading rapidly. Ensuring that people who have been in high risk areas comply with public health advice is a sensible way of slowing that spread. Our existing public health legislation does not give us sufficient powers to ensure people do that unless they are already symptomatic, during which time there is a possibility they could be infecting others. Our knowledge of how the disease spreads is in an early phase.

Will this place officers at further risk?

Officers, as emergency responders, have a duty to keep the public safe. In these extraordinary circumstances, Chief Officers are doing everything they can to ensure personal protective equipment is available to those handling people infected with this virus.

How will this affect how you deal with sectioning of those suffering from mental ill health?

The current legislation allows us to place someone under a temporary section of 24 hours. This will be extended to 36 hours. This is down from 72 hours before the time limit was reduced by the Policing and Crime Act 2017.

Do you expect to be given further legal powers?

This is a fast moving picture. The Government and Parliament have the responsibility for legislation, and we are working closely with them.