Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM joined First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and National Clinical Director Professor Jason Leitch at yesterday’s coronavirus briefing.
He said:
As we enter early June and the summer months I’d like to start on a point I’ve stressed on a number of occasions recently, and that’s by underlining the close bond that exists between policing and the communities of Scotland we serve.
It’s a precious bond of trust forged over many years. Policing in Scotland takes its authority and legitimacy from the people.
It is testament to the common sense and good judgement of the people of Scotland, and their police service, that during this national public health emergency the relationship, if anything, has gone from strength to strength. Of course, the bond will be tested, during difficult times like just now during the pandemic, or when critical incidents occur, where tragedy arises, when human life is lost.
And I know the role of the police, the coercive authority policing at times exercises in the name of our fellow citizens to protect us all, will rightly be subject to robust scrutiny, focus and challenge. I welcome that, I welcome open and direct conversations about policing, it is absolutely vital for democracy and fairness.
Like everyone, as Chief Constable and as a man, I was shocked and distressed by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the subsequent events that transpired and continue to transpire in the United States. Racism in all forms is disgraceful and unacceptable.
I fully understand the desire of people in Scotland to make their voices heard this weekend over racial injustice. The right to be heard; to protest; to campaign, is of vital importance and policing has a key role in enabling, supporting such freedoms to be exercised fully and safely.
Our duty in policing is to enable you to have your voice heard in a way that is safe for you and safe for others. Please do so in a way that does not risk spreading coronavirus. Policing in Scotland will help in this regard.
I know there are a number of planned events this weekend and we are in touch with some of the people involved in organising them to try to help them do that in a safe manner.
As Chief Constable, I urge everyone to follow the regulations and guidance, as the majority of people have thankfully done over the last 10 weeks; to keep themselves and others safe and to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
I would reiterate the comments of the Cabinet Secretary for Justice Humza Yousaf, because the threat of coronavirus is still with us. People should not attend mass gatherings which pose a clear risk to public health. Please find a safe way of making your voice heard.
I know the fatigue and strain many are feeling as the stay at home period continues, albeit with some restrictions lifted is one felt in families and households across the country. As the First Minister has made clear, the desire for easement to all enjoy greater freedoms, is understandable.
The small changes made last week following 10 weeks of strict lockdown rules, did coincide with particularly good weather and, in my judgement, perhaps did lead to some people feeling and acting a bit ‘demob happy’.
Gatherings at parks, beaches, beauty spots were concerning, leading policing to make a little over 2,000 separate dispersals over the 72 hour weekend period. At the same time, we saw non-coronavirus related crime returning to levels which are more in line with business as usual, and in fact we made over 1,000 arrests, none of them in relation to coronavirus regulations, placing acute demand on policing.
We continued to have high levels of engagement with people last weekend to offer advice and, in most cases that was met with support and co-operation.I pay tribute to everyone who is working together to save lives.
The majority of people continue to do the right thing because it is the best way to stop the virus spreading and, ultimately, to contribute to prevent people dying.
I don’t think the weather it to be quite as good this weekend, but I would ask that people do not travel to beauty spots and, crucially, do not hold house parties or gatherings indoors. The police service will take very robust action in that regard because it is vital to control the spread of the virus.
Don’t have house parties if the rain comes on. Don’t have your friends round.
I want to thank our officers and staff and specifically our special constables for their commitment to public service. They have been working round the clock to give help, give advice and to support communities the length and breadth of Scotland.
It is essential that everyone sticks with it, sticks to the rules. Do the right thing to prevent the virus spreading.
If we don’t, more of what is currently guidance may be brought into legislation. If that is the case, Police Scotland will continue to act in a fair and proportionate manner.Our approach won’t change. We will always work with the people to do the right thing.
We will rely on consent and co-operation, act with courtesy, but we will take enforcement measures when necessary.
I greatly value the trust of our fellow citizens and thank you for your forbearance during these difficult days.
Please – look after yourselves and each other, follow the rules and stay safe.
Thank You.
