Coronavirus: Urgent police call for protective kit as they face 'detaining' people infected with Covid-19

Plans are being drafted by the government to give police emergency powers to detain those infected by Covid-19, as efforts to tackle the deadly disease intensify.

However, senior officers have warned The News that there is simply not enough protective equipment to go around and have raised question marks over how police forces will cope if their numbers are decimated by infection.

The concern has prompted an urgent appeal by John Apter, the head of the Police Federation for England and Wales.

Speaking to The News, Mr Apter – formerly head of Hampshire Police Federation – said: ‘These are clearly unprecedented times, with government advice frequently changing as Covid-19 affects more people.

‘Keeping the public safe is the number one priority for police officers, but policing is already under a huge strain from the everyday demands, in addition to dealing with this evolving situation.

‘While new laws might be necessary, we must have clear guidance for officers and the public about how we deal with people who are affected, so that officers dealing with Covid-19 related incidents receive the protection they need.

‘Behind the uniform, police officers are people with families too and we are working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council to ensure they get the clear guidance and protections necessary so that they can protect the public.’

As well as staffing and protective equipment concerns, fears have also been raised about how police stations will be kept free of the virus, if infected people are detained there.

One senior officer told The News the ‘wider implications’ of the government’s plan had been ignored and warned entire custody blocks would need to be closed and deep cleaned every time an infected person was detained, ramping up pressure for police.

Alex Charge, chairman of Hampshire Police Federation, said: ‘Policing has been under significant strain for the past 10 years and this national crisis is going to further stretch those resources.

‘For the vast majority of police officers, there is no home working. They are on the frontline when it comes to running towards danger – crime and criminals won’t take a break even during periods of isolation – and now they have the further concern of encountering people who may be infected with the coronavirus.

‘It’s times like these that the emergency services are truly valued and the government needs to recognise and remember this.’

Hampshire Constabulary said it placed ‘huge emphasis on health and wellbeing’ of its workforce and that support measures were in place for those needing to self isolate.

A spokesman added: ‘We have specific personal protective equipment available to officers when their risk assessments dictate that it is required.

‘If we had a confirmed case in our cells, we would deep clean. However, because the majority of people will not be tested and will not be displaying any symptoms, the approach is to clean our cells to the usual standards we maintain to minimise the risk of any potential hazards.’