How do you think police have handled the coronavirus pandemic? How you can have your say

Police throughout the country have been given extra powers to give out penalties to people who fail to stick to Government guidelines in an effort to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Officers now have the power to issue a fine of £60, which will be lowered to £30 if paid within 14 days, and a fine of £120 to second time offenders, doubling on each repeat offence.

Individuals who do not pay fines could be taken to court, with magistrates able to impose unlimited fines.

In the North East, dozens of people have been given fines for breaching the rules since the restrictions were announced in March.

Now, Durham Constabulary are appealing to the public to gather views on the force’s response to coronavirus across Durham and Darlington.

All results will be kept confidential in the online survey, which aims to shape the police force’s plans in the fight against the virus.

An online statement from Durham Constabulary reads: “The circumstances we face today and over the coming months will allow us the opportunity to be the best we can be, protecting neighbourhoods, tackling criminals and solving problems whilst ensuring we do whatever we can to assist with fighting this current health crisis.

“Durham Constabulary is strongly encouraging everyone to follow the advice from the Government to protect yourselves and keep your families safe and well.

“We would welcome your thoughts and views around Covid-19 each week so that we can build up a better understanding of how your thoughts and views change in relation to the police response and also how safe you feel, as the current situation develops.”

The statement goes on to say: “Your views are extremely important to us and will help us to continue to shape our plans in the fight against Covid-19.”

Since the coronavirus restrictions were put in place, police forces have caught people out for unnecessary drives, gathering in parks and holding house parties.

Government guidelines state that people should stay at home except to buy food/medicine, to care for a vulnerable relative or attend a medical appointment, for exercise once a day and to go to work if it cannot be done from home.

Anyone leaving the home is advised to stay two metres apart from other people at all times and to avoid others from different households.

The College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs’ Council have also set out what is considered reasonable as they enforce the rules, according to the Crown Prosecution Service.

People can now leave the house to visit a vet if a pet needs essential treatment, move to a friend’s address for several days to ‘cool off’ following an argument at home, and provide support to vulnerable people.

Durham Constabulary’s survey addresses a range of topics linked to coronavirus from social distancing guidelines, communication and enforcement to community safety and social media campaigns.

To take part, visit: https://wh1.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?k=158695676336

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