We Must Not Be Complacent With PPE

IT is as important as ever that officers use PPE correctly during the pandemic, Hampshire Police Federation has said, as new guidance is published.

The service’s new PPE leaflet is partly based on feedback from frontline officers, and includes guidance on how to handle contact with the public, stop and search procedures, and dealing with non-compliant or violent subjects.

Chair of Hampshire Police Federation Zoë Wakefield said that colleagues should also keep an eye on the force intranet and make sure they’re up to date with all the latest advice on PPE.

She said: “It’s not just PPE, but we’ve had instances where people are getting complacent with social distancing, so we have had pockets in the force where somebody’s tested positive and then a small group have had to self-isolate. I think it’s really important that people make sure they keep refreshing themselves and making sure that they are compliant with everything.”

The new PPE guidance was put together by the PFEW, along with the National Police Coordination Centre, College of Policing and National Police Chiefs’ Council.

PFEW’s Operational Lead Simon Kempton said: “We know that during the pandemic, assaults on emergency service workers have increased. That has included spitting assaults which are vile at any time but even more dangerous against the backdrop of a virus which has killed many thousands.

“COVID-19 is invisible. We can’t see where it lies or hides. And because of that, it’s all too easy to inadvertently come into contact with it. Alongside other steps like social distancing and hand hygiene, PPE plays a vital part in keeping not just us, but our colleagues and families safe. That’s why the Federation has put so much effort into shaping this guidance document.

“Knowing what the guidance says and complying with it has never been more important.”