Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford joined officers on the front line as the force continues to engage with the public, explain the Government’s Coronavirus guidance and encourage people to follow it.
CC Guildford went out on patrol with officers in The Arboretum area yesterday as they reinforced the need for people to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.
One of the areas covered was the Forest Recreation Ground where the vast majority of people exercising in the park were found to be adhering to the Government’s social distancing guidelines by staying two metres (6ft) away from other people.
While officers were on hand to advise people about the current restrictions they also took action when one man in the park was found to be in possession of cannabis following a stop and search. He was given a warning.
Further foot and mobile patrols were carried out in other areas including Radford Road.
Officers were able to give advice and assistance after a man was seen to be approaching other people waiting in a queue to do their shopping at the Asda supermarket at Peppers Gardens.
Police Sergeant Richard Guy, one of the officers on patrol, said: “We spoke to the man regarding housing issues and offered advice as well as advising him to leave the area which he did.
“We were able to provide reassurance and enable the queuing shoppers to safely maintain their social distancing.
“The feedback we received from the public on the advice we gave during our patrols was generally positive, especially from those shoppers who didn’t feel confident enough to challenge the man at Asda about his behaviour.
“We are still policing by consent and there is now legislation in place to protect the public however it’s apparent that some people still don’t understand and are interpreting the advice in different ways.
“By continuing to engage with the public we can explain the correct interpretation of the legislation, advise them accordingly and encourage them to do the right thing in these difficult times.”
Chief Constable Guildford added: “I want to thank the officers who I went out with yesterday who are doing a great job, as are all our new Op Bion patrols.
“We are very clear that we are wanting to engage, explain and encourage in our interaction with the public. This is about keeping up our positive engagement with the public and enforcement will only be used as a last resort.
“It was great to see that the public is taking heed of the advice and staying indoors. This is the only way we can save lives and stop the pressure on the NHS in coming weeks.
“While we are carrying out these new patrols we are still making sure that we deal with the demand as business as usual, and yesterday was no different where we dealt with a firearms offence, domestic abuse and other offences. We will continue to deploy our resources where they are needed most and will continue to protect the public from any threat, risk or harm.”
