PCC Statement after announcement of third national lockdown
5th January 2021
Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) said: “This is the last thing any of us wanted especially after everything we have already done to try and keep ourselves and our loved ones as safe as possible through this pandemic.
“However, it is very clear that if we are to get a grip on these latest rising infection rates and reduce the harm the virus can cause, we all need to do our bit in following the new guidance in managing our own behaviours and activities. I know this is putting so much pressure on people and businesses, especially with schools now closing and my thoughts go out to everyone affected with their own individual pressures around what this lockdown will mean for their circumstances.
“But I believe it is incumbent upon all of us to do the right thing collectively so that we can avoid exacerbating the issue further. By complying, we are protecting one another, our loved ones and those emergency service and key workers who are on the front-line of the response this winter, putting their safety before others on all our behalf’s.
“The Police in West Yorkshire will continue to maintain their approach of engaging, explaining and encouraging the public, but using enforcement powers when and where it’s necessary for wider public protection purposes and I’ll be having further conversations with the Chief Constable and Policing Minister later today.
“Frontline police officers and staff should have the option to receive the vaccine as soon as possible in my view and representations to that affect are being made both locally and nationally. It’s been an incredibly challenging period for everyone but the frontline are in a really unique position and we should always work to ensure they have the best possible support.
“In the meantime let’s keep working together to help reduce the rates of this latest variant transmission and we will come out stronger and more quickly at the other end of this whilst the vaccine programme can be rolled out to the more vulnerable across West Yorkshire.
“It’s also really important to emphasise that we’ve been working hard to ensure that support for victims of crime and vulnerable people are still readily available and accessible. I want those individuals who need help and support to know they have not been forgotten, and we are here for you.
“There are support services that can help you and I want the public to know how they can access them and we will help them during these really testing times, whether or not you feel able to report to the Police.
“To find out more about victims’ services in West Yorkshire, including to victims who do not want to report to the police, visit our website policingandcrime@westyorks-ca.gov.uk .
“Victim Support provide a service that is local, independent and they are aware of the different options available to victims in West Yorkshire. If you’ve been affected by crime, please call your local victim care team in West Yorkshire on 0300 303 1971. Lines are open 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 9am-5pm Saturday.
“If you need support outside of their open hours, call the Victim Support Supportline for free on 08 08 16 89 111 or request support via their website https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help/request-support.”