Hartlepool police chief would rather 'everyone work together' than use new powers to fight coronavirus

Chief Inspector Pete Graham, head of the Community Safety Team in Hartlepool, said he hoped people will look back at the sacrifices made during this time and see them as key to saving lives.

It comes as he reflected one week on from the government introducing stricter measures to tackle the spread of coronavirus.

It has also seen new police powers being brought in, giving officers the option of fining residents refusing to abide by the restrictions, as well as powers to order people to go home, leave an area or disperse.

Chief Inspector Graham admitted it has been a tough time for everyone, and challenging for the police.

He also added he would prefer everyone to work together instead of using the police powers introduced.

In a social media post, he said: “It’s a testing time for us all, with work, home, social and family life all changing beyond recognition.

“The options to visit pubs, restaurants, shops, friends and loved ones have all been paused, and it’s hard.

“From a policing and community safety perspective it’s a really challenging time, but it’s important that we continue to provide a service to the people of Hartlepool and in particular, those who need our help most.

“We all have to take personal responsibility. Police powers now exist but I would so much prefer that we all work together, it’s all about engaging with our local communities and encouraging them to follow the guidance.

“Ideally by working together, officers will engage, explain and encourage and hopefully the need to enforce any sanctions will be rare.”

He added the majority of the public have adhered to the government guidance and thanked those who have done so.

He was also full of praise for NHS staff and others carrying out key roles at this time, adding the sacrifices being made are saving lives.

Chief Inspector Graham said: “What’s most important right now is the health and wellbeing of everyone.

“On a personal level, I would like to thank our wonderful, brave NHS staff, but I would also like to thank everyone who is keeping us going, including staff working in supermarkets, who are putting themselves at risk for all of us. Please treat them with respect.

“With time, we’ll look back and know the sacrifices we made together (working within the government guidelines) helped us as a community to save lives and help the NHS.

“Stay safe, please look out for our vulnerable and look after each other.”

He also offered his thanks to the Hartlepool Community Safety Team as a whole for their ongoing hard work.

Police said anyone needing to contact them at this time should first visit their website to report non-emergency incidents and call 101 if further help is needed, and to always call 999 in an emergency.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Gary Oliver