Chief Constable Announces 'Step Up' In Enforcement Activity Against COVID Breaches In Sussex

Describing a string of coronavirus breaches as 'disappointing and selfish', Sussex Police Chief Constable, Jo Shiner, said that police enforcement activity would step up to address the behaviour of people breaking the rules.

It's after the first £10,000 fine has been issued by Sussex Police after more than 100 people attended a house party in Brighton's Norwich Drive over the weekend.

Other incidents of breaches attended over the weekend by police include a gathering in Stanmer Park where music equipment was seized and persons dispersed, a gathering at the University of Sussex's Falmer Campus, and disorder in Brighton city centre following the closure of pubs at 10pm.

Chief Constable Jo Shiner said:

“This is an incredibly difficult time for everyone and we are all being affected by the current situation in one way or another.

"Throughout the entire pandemic, Sussex Police have been overwhelmed by the positive response to the Covid19 regulations from the vast majority of Sussex residents and visitors who are trying their best to adapt to the changing situation.

"We will continue to take a proportionate approach, to understand people’s circumstances, and engage, explain and encourage compliance ahead of any enforcement."

Adding to her message, the Chief Constable made it clear that people of all ages have been in breach of regulations:

“I am saddened to say that a minority of people are acting irresponsible by testing the boundaries and, in some cases, blatantly flouting government regulations with a complete disregard for the impact of this disease on others and, I want to make it clear, it is not just students and young people.

"This behaviour will not be tolerated and those who choose to knowingly break the rules will be fined. We will be turning up the dial on enforcement where people are blatantly disregarding regulations which risk the acceleration of the spread of Covid in Sussex.

"This will include additional patrols in hot spot areas where fines will be issued to those who do not comply."

Officers enforcing the rules have reportedly been subject to verbal and physical abuse, with some sustaining injuries.

Jo Shiner added:

“I am also disappointed to say that unfortunately, a number of my front line colleagues over the weekend suffered injuries and were subjected to both verbal and physical abuse.

"Our officers and staff find themselves in a wide variety of often unpredictable and fast-moving situations, however, the behaviour some of them had to experience on the weekend was simply appalling.

"I continue to be very clear that any assaults on those front line workers doing their very best to protect the law-abiding public will be dealt with firmly.

“None of us would ever choose to be in our current position, and I empathise hugely with those who have lost loved ones, or whose business and employment has been affected.

"It is now more important than ever for us all to work together, support one another and ensure we are all adhering to the latest government guidance. We need to protect the NHS and save lives by helping to prevent the spread of the virus.”

It comes as local authorities and their partners across Sussex are working together to manage the latest restricitons. 

The Sussex Resilience Forum will continue to co-ordinate the response across the region.

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne is supportive of the Chief Constable’s decision to increase enforcement against those who continue to flout Covid rules.

She says:

“I recognise how disheartening it is for the public to hear of another lockdown situation but, with Covid cases rising, now is not the time to be indifferent and break the rules put in place to keep us safe and protect our NHS. 

“I want to thank the majority of Sussex residents who have played their part during the pandemic. However, it is disappointing that we have had such a show over the weekend of those who want to flout the law. 

“I support Chief Constable Shiner’s decision to increase enforcement and I hope that the promise of a significant fine for blatant rule breakers will serve as a strong deterrent at this time. 

“The demand on policing is now back to pre-Covid levels. Please remember that every time an officer is called away to deal with a Covid rule-breaker, that is one less officer available to support a vulnerable person or catch a dangerous criminal.

“I’m urging all Sussex residents to play your part in reducing the spread of this virus and ultimately help lessen the strain on our emergency service workers. Please show respect for those on the frontline risking it all to keep us safe.”