Police make four arrests in Highlands and Islands under emergency powers
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Latest figures show that police in the Highlands and Islands have made four arrests using emergency powers granted during the coronavirus lockdown.
Covering the period between Friday, March 27, and 7am yesterday the statistics also show that 90 fixed penalty notices were issued and three people were returned home using "reasonable force".
There were also 226 dispersals after people were "informed" and 25 on the basis of people being "instructed".
Across the country as a whole, Police Scotland has issued 1637 fixed penalty notices and made 78 arrests.
Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham, strategic lead for Police Scotland’s coronavirus response, said: “The people of Scotland have stepped forward during this public health emergency to do their part to protect the NHS and save lives.
“Community policing has a vital role to play in supporting the physical distancing legal requirement to stay at home, which remains the key intervention that can be made during this period.
“In Scotland, we have been able to maintain a highly visible presence in our communities as our officers and staff work round the clock to engage with our fellow citizens, explain these requirements and encourage people to co-operate with them.
“The message is clear – you should only leave the house for very limited purposes, for example for basic necessities, such as food and medicine, for daily exercise, for medical needs or travelling for work which cannot be done at home.
“Avoid driving as much as possible. Use spaces close to home for exercise and do not drive for leisure. Do not hold house parties with people from outwith your household.
“As these restrictions persist and the warm weather sustains, people must not be tempted to ignore that message.”
He added: “In Scotland, we have been able to deploy a large number of officers into community policing and increased focused patrols in areas such as parks, beauty spots and town and city centres during this health emergency.
“This means Police Scotland is likely to be engaging with a large proportion of people who do not stay at home. The chief constable and I have been clear that everyone – including police officers – must take a common-sense approach.
“If you are out and about, officers may ask you why. Please explain your individual circumstances, listen to their instructions and obey the law. We will, as we have been required to do on a very infrequent basis, take enforcement action where necessary.
“On the small number of occasions where officers have taken enforcement action, this has largely been in response to house parties or public gatherings, while a small minority of irresponsible and selfish people who repeatedly and wilfully break the law have now received multiple fixed penalty notices."
He said the legislation and guidance was introduced quickly and, as a result, everyone has had to make changes to their daily habits and significant sacrifices in their lifestyles.
"For generations, successful policing in Scotland has relied on the consent of the communities we serve, and I am grateful for the very high levels of support and co-operation we have seen thus far," he said.
“These are, however, extraordinary emergency powers which were introduced quickly and the chief constable has commissioned John Scott QC to lead an independent, external review of our use of them.
“Mr Scott and his group can provide significant value to our thinking and operational practice. We will engage with them on an ongoing basis as we keep our values of integrity, fairness, respect and the upholding of human rights at the centre of all we do.”
