Extra police drafted in at night across region after restrictions eased
Extra police officers are being drafted in at night across the region as restrictions continue to ease under the Government's roadmap out of lockdown.
Staffordshire Police said they welcome the unlocking of restrictions, including Monday's reopening of indoor hospitality, but it has led to an inevitable increase in calls to the service.
They added that Friday was "one of the busiest days they had seen for months".
The force says they will now continue Covid-19 patrol cars until early July, increase the number of officers on late shifts and also increase neighbourhood double-crewed cars at busier times to cope with demand.
West Midlands Police said they had "well-drilled" plans for policing the increase in night-time economy following the easing of restrictions.
The force's chief superintendent, Andy Beard, also encouraged people to use their common sense when out and about this weekend – but said the force would not tolerate any criminal behaviour.
Superintendent Mark Ward, head of neighbourhood policing for Staffordshire Police, said: “As a force, we welcome the progress the Government is making in unlocking restrictions put in place to combat the coronavirus pandemic. This unlocking allows businesses to reopen and friends and family to socialise with each other once again.
Resources
“Inevitably, the reopening will increase calls for service to the force. Calls are already increasing and Friday was one of the busiest days we have seen for months. However, please be reassured that we are working with partners and have additional resources on duty to support our communities through the unlocking alongside dealing with any additional demand.
“We are increasing support in key areas such as continuing Covid-9 patrol cars until early July, increasing neighbourhood double-crewed cars at busier times, increasing numbers on late shifts, introducing extra custody sergeants at weekends, increasing the number of call handlers at busier times of day and adding extra DCs on Sundays to tackle the increased investigative workload anticipated from Saturdays.
“We have also put a lot of work into preventative work to help communities through this unlocking process and will continue to do so in the coming weeks.
“Hopefully, this additional support in the coming fortnight will provide reassurance for the communities we serve. These are as much to make sure communities feel safe and reassured as restrictions are removed as they are to respond to demand.
“While I acknowledge at times there will be pressures, as there always are in policing, we will work collectively and across departments to deliver the service the communities of Staffordshire deserve.
“But I would also urge people to continue to work with us and behave responsibly as we continue to move through this ‘unlocking’ process so that we can continue to move away from the pandemic.”
Encourage
West Midlands Police Chief Superintendent Andy Beard, said: “We have well-drilled plans for policing the night-time economy and sufficient resources will be in place at popular nightlife spots across the force area this weekend.
“In the last few weeks our licensing teams have been working with local authorities and businesses so it’s clear what’s expected of them and how everyone can play their role in ensuring customers can enjoy themselves safely.
“I would encourage people to use their common sense. Obviously many people are keen to return to pubs and restaurants after such a long absence but we will not tolerate criminal behaviour."
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster added: “It is good news for the region and the local economy that businesses that have been shut for so long can reopen and welcome customers back in. I know many will be excited to be able to travel to spend time with family and friends who they have been apart from for much of the past year.
“It is also vital that when we visit indoor hospitality and see our friends and family that we do so in a safe manner to ensure that Covid-19 doesn’t get a chance to spread. Nobody wants to see another lockdown and we all hope that plans to reopen will continue.
“West Midlands Police have been out engaging with local businesses to support them safely reopening as we go into what is set to be a busy weekend.
“The virus is still with us and worrying signs of the new variant mean we should continue to be cautious when out and about and follow the guidance closely.”
