THE second in command of policing Wiltshire said he had been “hugely impressed” with how people had risen to the challenge posed by the pandemic.

Reflecting on an exceptional 12 months, which has seen his officers balance confusing regulations and a deadly virus with balancing the public’s expectations.

Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills thanked the vast majority who had complied with the rules and praised Wiltshire Police officers and staff. 

But he also spoke of a “toxic debt” – the strain on officers and staff of working extra hours in stressful circumstances. “Without doubt as we’ve seen across the health service colleagues and other partners it has been full on 110 per cent during 2020 and now into 2021,” he said.

READ MORE: Wiltshire Police shares new update on house parties

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File image of DCC Paul Mills speaking to the press 

When the first lockdown was imposed in March last year, it was to the police that many turned to explain new the new regulations. Many forces came under fire for what some saw as a heavy-handed interpretation of the rules. 

Derbyshire Police were criticised for a social media video that some claimed shamed national park visitors. Wiltshire Police flyposted cars parked at beauty spots, claiming the regulations did not allow people to drive to the location to exercise – despite the regulations not stating that. 

Officers were faced with having to explain regulations that were sometimes at odds with guidance. And, at times, found themselves face-to-face with thugs prepared to “weaponise” the virus – coughing, spitting or, in once case, breathing over them.

READ MORE: Big fines for revellers caught at covid rule-breaking house parties

Senior officers talked often about the “four Es”: engage, explain, encourage, enforce. Mr Mills said: “We often talk about policing by consent and the British policing model, but in the UK the reason why we’re not routinely asked [to enforce health regulations] is very much around our relationship with the public; explaining, encouraging, looking for compliance with the law. 

“We’ve really had to make sure that we pitched that correctly because I think it would have been too heavy handed during that period. It would have left a lasting legacy in terms of people’s perception of policing. 

“Now, as we actually go forward, I think what we’ve done during this period absolutely informs that confidence with the public in this next period.”

By February 14 this year, Wiltshire Police had issued 474 fines to those caught breaking the rules, according to the National Police Chiefs’ Council. The force itself has put the number at over 700.

A disproportionate number of those fines have been issued in the past two months, as the police have stepped up enforcement action against those holding parties and barbecues.

Mr Mills suggested that fatigue with lockdowns could be behind the rule breaking. But he added: “I think people’s tolerance around people not complying is starting to wane and their expectations of the police is to move more towards enforcement.

“What we’re seeing is a small handful of people – the majority of the public are absolutely playing their part – but a small number of people thinking it doesn’t actually apply to them and therefore they’ve been having parties, birthday parties, gatherings in households. 

“I think members of the public who are playing their part and actually looking out and seeing their neighbour having things such as that have said actually I don’t think that’s acceptable.” 

Looking ahead, the police predict a potentially busy year. Crime fell 18 per cent in the county last year, although some crimes like cyber-enabled frauds were up by almost a fifth. The reopening of pubs, warm weather and the European Football Championship could result in a busy summer for officers.