3/4/2020
Message from Superintendent Felicity Parker, Commander for Bracknell and Wokingham LPA (Local Policing Area) regarding policing during Covid-19
I understand that this is a difficult and worrying time for a lot people as we all make significant adjustments to our daily lives to follow the measures set out by the government. These measures have been put in place to stop the spread of the virus, protect the NHS and save lives.
You will be aware that the police were given new powers to help reinforce these measures and whilst these are an option to us, we will only use them as a last resort. Officers will routinely be stopping members of the public and vehicles to ensure the Government’s advice is being adhered to so please don’t be alarmed if you are stopped and work with us if you are told to return home.
Here in the Bracknell Forest and Wokingham Borough areas we are out in the parks, shopping areas, housing estates, rural villages to encourage people into staying at home in order to save lives.
This current climate offers up a lot of uncertainty which can make people feel anxious, unsettled and fearful but I want to reassure you that my team and I are still policing your communities, responding to emergencies as well as effecting the Government’s restrictions to stay inside and only go out in very specific circumstances.
I want to say a huge thank you to all of you for staying inside and keeping our streets clear and for all the messages of support you have been giving our PCSOs and officers over the last few weeks. Although a large part of our work currently is to make sure people are staying at home, we are also investigating crime, arresting offenders and holding them to account. Policing still goes on 24/7 and my teams are here to protect you and prevent crimes from happening.
By continuing to stay home, you can protect the NHS and save lives. Thank you again for your co-operation during these challenging times.
You can find a number of frequently asked questions and messages from Chief Constable John Campbell on our website.
You can report a suspected breach of coronavirus measures through the dedicated form on the Thames Valley Police website.
If you need to report anything to us that is not an emergency, you might experience some delays calling 101 so where possible report through the Thames Valley Police website. In an emergency always call 999.