FOLLOWING the first week of new powers given to police to enforce Government restrictions on travel and public gatherings the Chief Constable of South Wales Police has thanked members of the public for their support.
While the overwhelming majority of the public are supportive and adhering to the new restrictions, in extreme cases, a small number of individuals have been charged with breaching the new legislation.
Our main message to the public remains that they must continue to comply with the restrictions based on the increasing severity of the Coronavirus outbreak.
Police officers will always apply their common sense and discretion. They will engage with members of the public, explain the restrictions and encourage voluntary compliance. If faced with non-compliance, officers will use enforcement if it is necessary and proportionate.
Chief Constable Matt Jukes said: “As I said a week ago, the majority of people are already making real sacrifices to save lives and we urge everyone to follow the advice that is designed to keep us all safe.
“We have seen that the vast majority of our communities will recognise the need to follow the guidance and stay at home. I am asking them to continue to be patient and to keep on doing their best to help save lives and to support the NHS.
“In these unprecedented times, the public, as well as the police, are continuing to adjust to the new measures put in place by the UK Government due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
“As the public would expect, we are using the new legislation only when absolutely necessary.
“Police officers and other staff who you may speak to in the coming weeks are working to keep you and your families safe and well. They also have families to go home to. We all want to say thanks for everyone who is sticking to the rules, at what is a really difficult time. It really does feel like we are all in this together.
“The stories we are seeing about the amazing work of our NHS underline how important it is that we all support them. We will do that by being here to continue our other duties, and stepping in with our role around public health in a way that, I hope, everyone will appreciate is intended to keep everyone safe and well.”
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