Federation reminds officers to wear their PPE whenever possible

SOUTH Yorkshire Police Officers are being reminded of the importance of wearing anti COVID PPE wherever and whenever they can.

South Yorkshire Police Federation Chairman Steve Kent recognises there may be incidents where stopping to put on a face mask might not be safe or appropriate, but he hopes all members will realise the importance of donning PPE to protect themselves and the public.

“It’s there to protect them and others.

“There are good stocks of PPE in the force, so we must wear it. In fact, all police officers must wear masks in any police building unless they’re sat at their work station.”

It might be a different matter when officers are dealing with pub brawls or when talking to potentially suicidal people, Steve added.

“It’s common sense, and there are exemptions to an extent for policing, but for low-level interactions with the public and for everyday business then PPE has to be worn.

“Hypothetically, if you’re negotiating with somebody who was suicidal on a bridge, you’re not necessarily going to talk to them with a facemask on.

“You’re going to keep your distance, and you’re going to take your facemask off to get that interaction and engagement.

“Officers are exceptionally good at using their common sense and judgement and officers out there on the streets should exercise that common sense when it comes to the situations that they’re dealing with and do the very best that they can.”