Police boss 'satisfied' with officers' approach to the lockdown - but invites Hartlepool residents to get in touch with concerns

But he also invited anyone with concerns about the force’s operations to get in touch.

Barry Coppinger, Cleveland’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) also commented that officers will actively try to engage with the public – and to only use enforcement after all other methods have failed.

Mr Coppinger said: “I am satisfied that the policing approach the force have taken, to engage, explain, encourage, with enforcement as a last resort. It is in line with what the public want and expect.

He also confirmed that the day-to-day operations of Cleveland Police have not been affected by the outbreak of Covid-19.

Mr Coppinger, who was first elected to the role of PCC in November 2012, added: “I’m pleased that so far, there has been no significant impact on Cleveland Police’s service delivery as a result of sickness or other Covid-19 related effects.

“They are among only a handful of forces in the country to maintain this level of ‘business as usual’.”

Mr Coppinger also thanked the residents of Cleveland for sticking to the measures set out by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday, March 23.

He commented: “It’s important to note that all but a tiny minority of the 568,000 people living in Cleveland are abiding by the Government rules around social distancing.

“I thank them for their efforts. They are playing their part in protecting key workers and saving lives.”

The PCC issued a message to those who might be concerned about policing during the lockdown period, adding: “Members of the public can continue to submit questions and concerns to directly to my office.

“I will put these questions to the Chief Constable and other partner agencies, so the public can continue to have confidence that all agencies in Cleveland are responding as effectively and fairly as possible.”

The reassurance comes as Councillor Shane Moore, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council thanks residents for staying at home over the Easter weekend.

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