Derbyshire PCC: 'My priority is ensuring police have the resources they need'

Derbyshire's Police and Crime Commissioner says his current priority is working with the force's Chief Constable to ensure officers "have the resources they need to do the difficult job they are being asked to do" when it comes to enforcing the new stricter coronavirus measures.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out a range of new coronavirus rules and restrictions on Tuesday in the House of Commons, which preceded a televised address to the nation in which he urged the public to "summon the discipline and resolve" to follow them in a bid to prevent a second full nationwide lockdown. 

Mr Johnson warned that for the minority who may continue to flout the rules, fines are rising to £10,000 – promising more police on the streets to enforce the rules and even suggested that the army might be called in if necessary. 

In response to the Prime Minister's statement, Hardyal Dhindsa - who is responsible for policing in the county - says he hopes Derbyshire residents will continue to cooperate with the police and asks the "small minority who seek to ignore the restrictions to think about their behaviour". 

Mr Dhindsa said: "Like millions of people up and down the country, I am disappointed that it is necessary to impose further restrictions on peoples’ lives and lifestyles. I appreciate that this is not easy for anyone.

"The rise in the number of cases of Coronavirus tells its own story. It is in everyone’s interests to turn the tide of recent weeks.

"I would like to thank the vast majority of Derbyshire residents who have painstakingly followed the guidance. They have helped to curb the spread of this virus to date. Now they are being asked to do more and I am sure for the good of us all they will do that." 

Hardyal Dhindsa 

He went on: "I would also like to ask the small minority who seek to ignore the restrictions to think about their behaviour, which is putting lives at risk. We are in this together, and it is only if we act together that we will limit the spread of Covid-19 and see a return to some semblance of normality in the months to come.

"The police will of course play their part in helping to keep us safe, and have worked hard to explain, engage and encourage people to adhere to the guidance. I know that they will continue to do their best to robustly deal with those who flout the rules, but the Government is quite clear, these people are breaking the law and sanctions should be expected. However, I hope that the people of Derbyshire continue to cooperate with the police as they have done so far.

"My priority right now is to work with the Chief Constable to ensure that she and her team have the resources they need to do the difficult job they are being asked to do. They have my admiration."