COMMUNITY UPDATE
COVID-19
20/05/20
There have been some changes to the lockdown restrictions since I last wrote to you and we are all now adapting to the next phase of the response to Covid19.
The relaxation of some of the rules has seen more people visiting tourist locations and beauty spots and more people visiting DIY stores and garden centres. From what I’ve seen myself, and from what has been fed back to me, the vast majority of people are complying with social distancing guidance and we thank you for that.
Last weekend we did not see the number of reported breaches increase, nor did the number of warnings we issued or fixed penalty notices handed out increase, which is good news. Since 23 March and up until Sunday 18 May we received 4,085 reports of suspected breaches of the restrictions. We have given 2,084 warnings and we have handed out 274 fixed penalty notices. Of course, there still are those that intentionally flout the restrictions and we continue to make use of enforcement in these cases.
The ‘Stick With It Suffolk’ campaign launched this week in the local media and on social media is highlighting the actions we must all continue with, to keep each other safe and to defeat the virus. Police, along with local authorities and health partners are working together around the clock to keep Suffolk as safe as possible. The investment that individuals, families and communities have made in complying with the often difficult lockdown rules can’t be thrown away now. This coming weekend is the second May Bank Holiday and it is important that we all continue to follow the government guidance.
The police will continue to play our part through an approach of engagement, education and encouragement, an approach that has worked well so far. We will be working hard to continue to keep everyone throughout Suffolk safe but it is a collective effort and we need your help and support to do this. Our sickness absence has remained well below the national average and is now only a little above where we would normally expect to be. This is testimony to the commitment and dedication of all of our workforce in continuing to keep our communities safe.
The energy and enthusiasm of all of our officers and staff has been, and continues to be, outstanding. We have even had officers move out of their family homes into alternative accommodation so they can continue to police whilst keeping their own families safe. Additionally, we have been given incredible support by our Special Constabulary colleagues and by a number of their employers who have agreed to release them for additional hours and in some cases to be full time Special Constables. Since the start of the lockdown up until 15 May our Special Constabulary provided 1051 duties resulting in 7700 hrs policing – a phenomenal achievement by our wonderful volunteers.
I want to reassure you again that the Constabulary is proactively policing across the county and we have had some excellent results with drug dealers and burglars being arrested and charged. I know I speak on behalf of the Chief Constable and the Police and Crime Commissioner in reaffirming the commitment of every single member of our organisation in keeping Suffolk safe.
Please do visit our website and check our social media channels for regular updates.
Many thanks – Temporary Assistant Chief Constable David Cutler
Contact us through oursocial media channels
Report a Covid-19 breach at suffolk.police.uk
you can talk to your local SNT
