Police in strong position to support UK’s response to Coronavirus
03 Mar 2020
Police have tried and tested plans to support the UK’s response to the Coronavirus.
Earlier the Government and Public Health England published their action plan and police remain in close contact with both.
Guidance to first responders, including police officers, was published by PHE last month and can be found here.
National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for civil contingencies, Deputy Chief Constable Paul Netherton, said:
“We are working closely with the Government and Public Health England in the response to the Covid-19 Coronavirus. Police forces are working with their partners at a local level to plan for, and respond to, issues raised by Covid-19.
“While we are not anticipating a worst-case scenario, we are preparing for it, as the public would want us to do.
“If required, we have tried and tested plans that ensure continuity of policing during times of capacity issues or increased demand. These plans can include moving officers around the country, changing shift patterns and the use of the Special Constabulary.
“I’m confident the police service is in a strong position to support the UK’s response to Covid-19. This is a rapidly developing situation and we continue to take a lead from the Government and Public Health England.”