Coronavirus: Police reveal number of Fifers told to disperse in lockdown

Police have had to step in and tell Fifers to disperse on 57 occasions since lockdown began – but have made no arrests.

The figures were revealed in a briefing from Iain Livingstone, Chief Constable, on how his officers had been using the emergency powers given to them during the coronavirus pandemic.

With a ban on public gatherings, 14 warnings were issued in Fife to disperse, and 29 fixed penalty notices handed out.

To date there have been zero cases where officers have had to use reasonable force to get people to return home, and no arrests have been made.

Across Scotland, police have made 1400 requests to disperse, issued 464 warnings and 537 fixed penalty notices, forcefully taken 58 people home, and made 35 arrests.

Mr Livingstone said the vast majority of Scots had continued to adhere to the restrictions during the health emergency.

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/health/coronavirus-new-hub-distribute-protective-equipment-fife-health-workers-2535851

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/sport/football/no-football-return-until-june-earliest-2535326

He said: “Since the emergency powers came into effect two weeks ago, we have been required to take enforcement action in limited situations. Thus far, across the whole of the country, we have issued over 500 fixed penalty notices.

“This has typically been during incidents where people do not comply with legal instructions even after being spoken to by officers. For example, house parties or gatherings in public where those involved refuse to disperse.”

He said policing in Scotland would continue to be “fair, reasonable and proportionate” adding: “That is why I have invited a leading human rights lawyer to review our use of the emergency powers. I ask all our fellow citizens to continue their support and co-operation as demonstrated in recent weeks.

“If you are out and about, officers may ask you why. I would encourage you to engage with officers, explain your circumstances, then listen to and act upon any advice given.

“I recognise this is an extremely difficult time, particularly during the Easter holiday period when in normal circumstances we would all be expecting to be out and about, enjoying the good weather and seeing family and friends. But I ask that everyone accepts the changes to our daily lives and the personal sacrifices required. Because, ultimately, it will be to the benefit of us all.

“If we all do the right thing to maintain social distancing, stay home and keep safe, we will protect the NHS.”

While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you. In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you - wherever possible and providing it is safe for you to do so - to also please purchase a copy of our newspapers; the Fife Free Press, Fife Herald, St Andrews Citizen, East Fife Mail and Glenrothes Gazette.

Inevitably falling advertising revenues will start to have an impact on local newspapers and the way we continue to work during this period of uncertainty.

The support of our readers has never been more important as we try to make sure that we keep you connected with your community during this time. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. We need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Our team of trusted reporters are working incredibly hard behind the scenes - from kitchen tables and spare bedrooms - to look at how we can do this, and your continued support of our newspapers across Fife will help to protect their viability in the days and weeks ahead.

For more details on our subscription offers please visit email [email protected] or call us on 0330 4033004

Thank you

Allan Crow, Editor, Fife Free Press