March 27, 2020 10.17 am This story is over 48 months old

Online police portal to report isolation gatherings

It has been created by Humberside Police

Photo: Humberside Police

Humberside Police has created an online portal for people to report gatherings of people during the coronavirus lockdown.

Police will now be able to enforce lockdown rules after new powers were introduced by the government. Under the measures, officers will be able to hand anyone breaking lockdown rules a £60 fine, as well as being able to disperse anyone in groups of more than two people.

Humberside Police has already seen an increase in the number of calls to its non-emergency 101 number, with reports of people not adhering to the guidance.

The new online portal will allow people to submit a form to advise of any such gatherings, whilst also easing the demand on 101. Police will not be able to deploy officers to every single report and the information will determine its response, but some may be referred onto partner agencies or local authorities, who could take further action.

Click here to access the online reporting portal. Responses or outcomes will not be provided to those who submit a report, as would be the case with calling 101.

Chris Philpott, Head of the Force Control Room at Humberside Police, said: “We know the vast majority of people are following the guidance issued by the government in relation to gatherings, however we are aware there will be individuals who choose not to adhere and understandably, people do want to report this type of behaviour to us as it is risking lives.

“The online portal has been developed precisely for reports of this nature, where groups have been seen gathered, and has a dedicated team who will receive the report as soon as it is made.

“Reports will be assessed based on the information provided and we would ask people to please consider the circumstance before making their report.

“For instance, if a couple and two children are seen in the park, it’s highly likely they are all from the same household and are taking the opportunity for their one form of exercise of the day, which under the guidance is allowed. However, if there is a group of ten people of the same age gathered in a car park, it’s more likely they are not from the same household.”