Calls for more clarity over restriction rules
Staffordshire officers say they can't work with the mixed messages
Last updated 2nd Mar 2021
Police chiefs in Staffordshire are urging the Government to provide more clarity over the new coronavirus rules set out in the roadmap out of restrictions.
It's as it’s revealed less than 10% of officers feel regulations have been clear - with many saying they're confused and finding it impossible to work with the mixed messages.
Chair of Staffordshire's Police Federation Phil Jones says police can't keep up:
"Since the pandemic started 12 months ago there's been more than 60 rule changes introduced and often these have come out at the last minute. It's difficult enough for the public to understand what the rules mean around how many of you can meet in the park - well police officers have to enforce these and it's really difficult."
Mr Jones says he expects trying to enforce new restrictions will be even more difficult as the vaccine rollout continues:
"To try and get back to some normality is welcome - the concern is that the more people get vaccinated they may see that as an opportunity that they're now protected to not adhere to the roadmap and the restrictions and therefore colleagues will have to enforce the rules and regulations even further."
The Chair of Staffordshire's Police Federation has told us it's a constant cycle of confusion to keep up with:
"When you get the changes and the mixed messages it's hard to understand, never mind police and enforce."
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