Home Affairs Committee to take evidence on the police approach to Covid-19

On April 6 the Home Affairs Committee hears from representatives of the Police Federation of England and Wales, the Police Superintendents’ Association and from four Chief Constables on how they are interpreting recent guidance issued to police about new powers given to them under recent Public Health Regulations, and how they are working to ensure the public maintain social distancing measures.

Witnesses

At 2.30pm

• Chief Superintendent Paul Griffiths, President, Police Superintendents’ Association
• Sergeant Simon Kempton, Operational lead, Covid-19, Police Federation of England and Wales

At 3.30pm

• Chief Constable Garry Forsyth, Bedfordshire Police
• Chief Constable Peter Goodman, Derbyshire Police
• Chief Constable John Robins, West Yorkshire Police
• Chief Constable Lisa Winward, North Yorkshire Police

Purpose of the session

The Committee will be aiming to:

• Explore the differences in operational approach among different police forces in enforcing the new rules; 
• Examine the extent to which the difference between the legal basis of powers and the Government’s guidance is leading to confusion for officers and the public; 
• Learn what key concerns frontline officers, represented by the Police Federation and Police Superintendents’ Association, have about using the new powers, and about maintaining law and order during the pandemic.