Derbyshire PCC speaks out in support of force
Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa has spoken out in support of Derbyshire Police and its Chief Constable Peter Goodman.
He said: "Everyone, and I mean everyone, has a role to play in helping to stop the spread of this virus, whether it is out on the frontline or simply following the Government's advice to stay at home unless it's essential.
"Derbyshire Constabulary, like public service workers up and down the country, is working flat out to keep people safe. This isn't a practice run, it's real and it's happening now. I believe that the actions of Derbyshire Police were, and remain, reasonable. The public are in agreement if the numerous supportive emails and calls to my office and me personally are anything to go by.
"This talk of a ‘police state' is absolute nonsense. The Chief Constable and I fervently believe in policing by consent, and to do that, people need to know what is expected of them. For example, they are not expected to congregate in beauty spots and they have been made aware of that.
"That's why the Drone was used to watch out for any large numbers of people at key areas; it's quicker and less resource intensive than sending a patrol car to cover vast areas of countryside. Derbyshire is a national beauty spot and the force was aware from the calls flooding into the control room that cars and people were flocking to those remote areas.
"While it's easy to understand why people wanted to go to these beautiful parts of our county, it is not essential. Not now. It is risking lives. If the police did nothing there would rightly be outcry of another kind.
"Furthermore, let's be realistic, if any of those people travelling to isolated parts of the county got into trouble, had an accident, got lost or fell ill, other people, currently working to fight the virus, would be expected to go to their aid. Quite simply, no-one should risk that.
"I thank, wholeheartedly, the vast majority of people who are heeding the lockdown, but there remains a small minority who believe it doesn't affect them. My message to them is ‘stay home' follow the rules and protect yourselves, your families and by doing that, everyone else.
"We are living in unprecedented times and the police are finding their way through this in a bid to protect us and stop the spread of Coronavirus. They are working incredibly hard in the most challenging of circumstances and deserve our support.
"If the recent furore has deterred people from brazenly ignoring the Government's advice and instructions, then frankly that's a good thing. It will help to save lives.
"All the emergency and public service workers deserve our admiration and thanks. I for one am simply grateful that they are continuing to do their job to try and keep us safe."
More News From Amber Valley Info
| Councillors Vote For Uniting Derbyshire In Local Government Reorganisation Councillors at Derbyshire County Council voted in favour of Cabinet proposing one single council for the w read more | |
| Heights Of Abraham Receives National Tourism Award For Excellence On Wednesday 12th November VisitEngland, the National Tourism Body awarded the Heights of Abraham the highest possi read more | |
| Boost for Armed Forces veterans living at Samuel House Care Home in Heanor, Derby Former members of the Armed Forces in Derby will benefit from enhanced person-centred care and supp read more | |
| Emotional reunion as former pupils return to restored Heanor Grammar School A new video released by Amber Valley Borough Council captures the moment former students walked the corri read more | |
| Council launches public surveys to shape future town centre investment Amber Valley Borough Council has launched a new project to support the revitalisation of its town centres and read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| Launch Of WOMBLE MANIA! At the Heights of Abraham, Opened by Marcus Robertson, Son of Wombles author, Elisabeth Beresford, officially launched WOMBLE MANIA! at the Heights of Abraha read more | |
| Belper School and Sixth Form Centre Closed Today Due to a significant water leak, resulting in the water being turned off at school, we unfortunately have to close the school today. read more | |
| When you need to call 999 but can't talk When you need to call 999 but can't talk - the ‘silent solution’ can help. Press 55 on your mobile when prompted, to confirm you are in read more | |
| The opening night of the Lights of Abraham Winter Lights Trail The brand new winter lights trail, the 'Lights of Abraham' opened on Friday 22nd November at the Heights of Abraham in read more | |
| Can You Help DREAM Paranormal With Their Research My name is Simon Dean, Lead Investigator of DREAM paranormal and I am looking for your help. read more | |
