Superintendent Sarah Jackson, District Commander for the Isle of Wight, has written a letter to inform and reassure Islanders about the ongoing efforts by Hampshire Constabulary during this time of crisis.
In her letter, Supt. Sarah Jackson has said:
“Firstly, I really want to thank everyone who is following the government guidelines which I am pleased to say is the vast majority of people. We all have a part to play in preventing the spread of the virus so it is crucial we all Stay at home, Protect the NHS and Save Lives.
Article continues below this advertisement “If you are asking yourself why this is so important – well it is really clear that you can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms and we must limit our contact with others to stop the spread of the virus. Sadly this does include not meeting up with others, even friends or family.
“So the things you can you leave your home for are as follows:
- shopping for necessities
- exercise
- any medical need and
- travelling to and from work but only where you cannot work from home
Policing during the crisis
“The policing role as well as working in partnership with a whole host of other agencies through the Local Resilience Forum in response to this, is ensuring everyone is doing all they can to stop that spread of the disease in line with those government directions. We are very clear that we police by consent in the country and that is something we cherish and so our approach to gaining compliance is to Engage with the public about their reasons for being out and about; Explain the government guidelines and how what they are doing does/does not fit with those; Encourage them to comply and return home. Only where this is unsuccessful or there have been numerous breaches will we use our Enforcement powers.
“Whilst we have had occasion to use our enforcement powers on the Island, they have been relatively small in number and I am pleased to say that the vast majority of people have responded positively to our engagement.
“For those following Isle of Wight Police Facebook page you will have seen the patrol work we have been doing and the updates we have been giving not only on Coronavirus related work but also on normal policing work. We have a great following already and the feedback is overwhelmingly positive about the connection we are making with the community – you do not need a Facebook account to follow us.
Article continues below this advertisement “We are carrying out patrols across the Island, ensuring that locations where people could gather are regularly monitored and speaking with people who are there. I would urge people to exercise common sense when it comes to contacting us. If there was a mass gathering, we would want to know about it can be dealt with. Where possible, we are asking these are reported online via our website. www.hampshire.police.uk by clicking on the ‘Tell us about’ button.
Assaults on Police Officers
“Unfortunately we have seen assaults on officers during this time, most recently four officers were coughed at and the man spat inside a police van. I am pleased to say that has been jailed for six months as a result. Assaults on any key workers are totally unacceptable and will be dealt with robustly.
Fraud and other crime
“Throughout this time I can assure you that normal policing business continues and we are out on patrol keeping the community safe. We have seen an overall decrease in crime during recent weeks, but I would want to remind people to ensure they are being vigilant and ensuring doors and windows are locked, as are car doors, and that CCTV is working at places like businesses.
“We have lots of crime prevention advice on our website, www.hampshire.police.uk.
“Sadly, there have been reports across the country of fraudsters taking advantage of this situation, with reports of telephone scams or phishing emails. We are working with government partners to ensure the public have the information they need so that they are not caught out by opportunistic people. There is lots of good information on scams, which is regularly updated, on the Action Fraud website.
“One area of crime that research suggested will see an increase is domestic abuse. We are closely monitoring this as protecting vulnerable people and preventing harm remain our priorities, and responding to domestic abuse is, and always will be, part of our core operational response. It’s vital people know that they can still call 999 if they are in danger and we will respond – we are still here. The support services for victims are still available, just being delivered differently. Information on those services can be found atwww.iow.gov.uk.
“It’s also crucial that as well as victims knowing there is support for them, anyone who is abusing someone or who feels they might can also get support as well and there are groups available for them to contact as well.
“For the most vulnerable residents there is a help line set up by the Isle of Wight Council on 01983 823600 where people, who do not have a local network of support, can seek support.
Looking ahead
“Finally, I appreciate that the announcement of a further 3 weeks of the lockdown is difficult for many people, for many reasons. I completely understand the desire to see family friends, but I would re-iterate that we must all do our part so please stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives.
Yours faithfully
Sarah Jackson
District Commander, Isle of Wight”
how good our authorities are at giving speeches. when it comes to neighbours making your life hell they do nothing.
seems like femenists are coercing their way into top jobs, but that is not a crime..from experience I know some police actually pick on the vulnerable and use lies and in return demand the truth..and even if a complaint is made , a high ranking officer will fabricate a report full of lies..
Your comment is appalling to say the least.
Whilst it can be appreciated that certain members of the Constabulary are not ‘perfect’, and indeed there have been occasions during the current pandemic which do illustrate this. The Police are doing are very difficult task in very difficult times, and I think we should be grateful for their efforts.
No, they are not ALL perfect, but neither is the behaviour of some members of the public during this crisis.
Plus, Sarah Jackson does an excellent job in general.
Misogynist
Your comment Sarah…We are very clear that we police by consent in the country
That is correct and you would do well to remember that.
We expect the police to be arresting thieves, burglars, shoplifters, anti social little shits, arrogant junkies and alcoholics, as well as chasing down the more serious offenders, such as rapists, murderers and paedo’s, rather than wasting our time and money, turning at peoples front doors for posting a comment on facebook, stopping drivers for hitting 31mph in a 30mph zone or having the bare faced audacity and cheek to race to an address on information received, that someone is sunbathing in their own garden, with dare I say it, a BBQ of all things going.
The law abiding citizens of this country expect to be left alone to go about their lawful business, exercising their right to freedom of movement and right to freedom of self determination, with anonymity if desired, without the interfering state representatives poking their unwanted noses in.
The consent that we in society afford the police and politicians will be withdrawn if our collective wishes are not adhered to – I trust this is understood.
The last time societal consent was removed from the police and politicians, was the poll tax riots in 1990 – police and politicians should remember this event and be advised, that continuing to dictate that people stay in doors, will only be put up with for so long, before it all kicks off.
That’s quite well said :
– Have heard of so many people being intimidated by Police, chasing them away from safe open areas back to narrow confined spaces in town. They are putting us all at risk and instilling fear (of authority) and panic..
Few think it’s by consent anymore..more of an exercise of their new enhanced powers..
Why do you expect the Police to arrest those they do not have grounds too. You may consider someone to be an Anti Social little shit but if they haven’t committed a crime why would the police arrest them. Is being arrogant grounds to arrest an individual who is addicted to drugs. Is it an actual offense to be an alcoholic…no…I think you need to pull your neck in and be grateful that we have the police service that we do in this country.
Mark – I think you need to pull your neck in and stop being such a lefty do gooder – people are fed up of arrogant little shits causing problems around their neighbourhoods and in town, people are fed up of useless, lazy alcoholics hanging around parks and the seafront arguing and being abusive to each other, as well as intimidating others, who are trying to enjoy their day in a civilised manner.
and yes, being an arrogant, alcoholic or drug addict that is acting and behaving in an anti social and intimidatory manner towards others is cause for arrest and shoving in a cell, so that decent, hard working, tax payers can enjoy the day, without it being ruined by some dead beat lowlife.