Police Praised for Rapid COVID-19 Response and Keeping UK Safe
Emergency Action Earns Top Marks
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has hailed police forces for their swift and decisive action during the coronavirus pandemic. The report highlights how officers stepped up in March 2020, taking immediate steps to protect the public when others hesitated.
“Stepping in when many others could not or would not, the police took immediate and decisive action to keep people safe, tackle crime and find answers to problems brought by the pandemic,” said HMI Matt Parr.
Police Chiefs Laud Officers’ Commitment
Martin Hewitt, Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, applauded the entire police service for meeting one of the toughest challenges in modern policing head on.
“This report recognises that the past 12 months has been one of the biggest challenges to face modern policing, and that the service has stepped up and met that challenge head on.”
“I’m immensely proud of the way forces across England and Wales have responded to the pandemic. Officers, staff and volunteers have worked very long hours, frequently going above and beyond the call of duty and often putting themselves at great risk, to help keep people safe. I am grateful to every single one of them.”
Policing Beyond Lockdown
Hewitt highlighted the vital role police have played, not just enforcing pandemic rules but continuing their core work of tackling crime and protecting the vulnerable. Criminals, he added, unfortunately exploited the pandemic to prey on society’s weakest.
“We’ve had to adopt new ways of working and enforce new laws rapidly. We haven’t always got things right first time but have learned and improved continuously,” Hewitt said.
Preparing for Post-Pandemic Policing
As lockdown restrictions ease, police will use lessons from the report to shape future approaches. Hewitt stressed the importance of working with government and partners across law enforcement and the justice system to build on what has been achieved.
“As lockdown eases and we start to look towards recovery, we will consider the recommendations from this report as part of this learning,” he concluded.
