Message from NeighbourhoodWatch
New police powers
As part of efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19, new police powers will be coming into effect on Thursday (March 26).
These measures are being brought in to protect the NHS and save lives.
Police are currently working with the Government around the guidance and legislation.
From a policing perspective it is about engaging, explaining the new rules and encouraging people to abide by them.
However, if people are non-compliant with the regulations, we will be enforcing them, as the public would want us to. This includes dispersing groups of more than two people and those who refuse will face a fine.
Contacting police
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, we would urge people to make use of our online reporting service or our online webchat facility wherever possible, in order to release the pressure on our emergency lines and resources.
If you are seeking advice around COVID-19 and what it means for you, please visit the Government’s website in the first instance. This will enable our call takers and officers to focus purely on policing matters and ensure resources are being utilised effectively.
If you want to report a case of COVID-19, please visit the NHS website for advice.
If you have concerns about crime or anti-social behaviour in your local neighbourhood, you can continue to share those directly with us by using our digital feedback platform, echo.
If you need to reply regarding this message, tap on this email address: wlo@herts.pnn.police.uk
Regards,
Terry Morris
