Police 'Won't Hesitate' To Enforce Stay At Home Powers

Monday, 30 March 2020 13:03

Chief Officer Robin Smith speaking to a motorist today following the government's lockdown announcement. Credit: Jersey Police

The Chief Officer of Jersey Police has warned that his team will have no hesitation in using the powers they've been given to make sure people stay at home.

However, the force says it expects that everyone WILL do what they've been told.

Jersey Police has outlined its approach to making sure the government's instructions are adhered to.

They are to:

* Engage with those they think are breaching the rules

* Explain why it's so important to stay at home

* Encourage people to comply

* Enforce the rules 'only where absolutely necessary'.

"We are extremely thankful to the many Islanders who have been so supportive and diligently followed the Government advice thus far.

So sad to see King St this quiet but thank you to everyone who's taking the Stay Home Instruction seriously.
If you're on your travels don't be alarmed if you're stopped by one of us for a chat. We need to make sure that you've got a legitimate reason to be out.👮‍♀️#CoronavirusJSY pic.twitter.com/qGmGYlUdl3
— States of Jsy Police (@JerseyPolice) March 30, 2020

"It is our hope never to have to use the emergency powers we have been given but we will not hesitate to do so to protect the public and to maintain law and order.

"We wish to reassure all Islanders that the States of Jersey Police will continue to be there for all who need us throughout this challenging period." - Robin Smith, Chief Officer.

More from Jersey News

Plans to modernise Jersey's 'extremely outdated' cremation rules

Jersey's rules on cremation are being modernised for the first time since the 1960s.
Driver 'seriously injured' in Grouville crash

A driver has been admitted to hospital with serious injuries after a crash in Jersey.
Jury finds Shay John Bester guilty of offences including rape

Shay John Bester has been found guilty, after going on trial for offences including six counts of rape against three young, vulnerable females.
African community groups express 'disappointment' with Deputy Ozouf sentencing

Friends of Africa Jersey and the Kenyans in Jersey Committee have come together to express their disappointment following Deputy Philip Ozouf's sentencing, and are calling for increased protection for workers who speak out about exploitation.
Island Energy to return to Royal Court over Mont Pinel gas explosion

Island Energy is set to return to the Royal Court to enter pleas after being charged by the Health and Safety Inspectorate over a gas explosion at Mont Pinel.
Jersey to introduce legal limit for PFAS in drinking water

A legal limit for PFAS in Jersey's drinking water will be introduced for the first time.
Jersey Electricity drops St Martin solar farm idea

Jersey Electricity has dropped plans for a solar farm on land in St Martin belonging to the King.
PPC won't move to block Deputy's return to States Assembly

The committee that oversees States Members' conduct says it won't being a proposition to further suspend Deputy Philip Ozouf following his conviction for immigration offences.