Staffordshire Police Federation chair Phil Jones has thanked officers for their incredible work during the coronavirus pandemic as lockdown restrictions finally begin to ease from today.
Phil said officers had really stepped up to deal with the ever-changing Covid-19 rules and legislation and said they had every right to be proud of the way they responded to the unprecedented challenges presented by the pandemic.
He said: "It has been a tough 15 months for police officers and their families. They have found themselves facing criticism in the media while trying to do their jobs in very difficult circumstances.
"They should know they have had the support of the vast majority of the public even though I am sure it hasn’t always felt that way."
Relaxed lockdown restrictions mean people in England can now meet outdoors in groups of up to 30, and indoors in groups of six, or two households, with pubs and restaurants able to serve customers inside. Museums, cinemas and other indoor attractions can also reopen.
Phil’s comments came after John Apter, national chair of the Police Federation, sent out a message to the public as the lockdown restrictions began to ease.
In an open letter published in the Daily Express, John said: "This has been a very difficult time for many – losing loved ones, losing jobs, and having restrictions placed on us which would have been unimaginable before this pandemic.
"We have all done our best during these past 15 months and collectively our goal has been to save lives and stop the spread of this deadly virus.
"Police officers have been put in an incredibly difficult position, policing the ever-changing Covid-19 rules and legislation. Without your support and understanding, their job would have been impossible.
"You will have seen a style of policing which has been alien to you. This is also alien to my colleagues. We did not join policing to police in the way we’ve had to. But this has been necessary to protect each other and save lives."
And in a special message of gratitude, he said: "To you, the public, that silent majority who I know support my colleagues, thank you."
