Mobile PSNI checkpoints could return to enforce 8pm curfew in first week of lockdown, says NI Policing Board member Mike Nesbitt

Mobile police checkpoints to enforce an 8pm curfew could be on the cards during the first week after Christmas, a member of the Policing Board has suggested.
By Niall Deeney
Published 19th Dec 2020, 07:18 BST
Updated 19th Dec 2020, 08:44 BST
PSNI officers pictured at a vehicle checkpoint, engaging the public on Covid-19 guidelines, near the Derry to Bridgend border crossing at the weekend. DER1920GS – 002PSNI officers pictured at a vehicle checkpoint, engaging the public on Covid-19 guidelines, near the Derry to Bridgend border crossing at the weekend. DER1920GS – 002
PSNI officers pictured at a vehicle checkpoint, engaging the public on Covid-19 guidelines, near the Derry to Bridgend border crossing at the weekend. DER1920GS – 002

The first week of lockdown, due to begin on December 26, will see what effectively amounts to a curfew in place with people asked not to leave their homes after 8pm.

While it is as yet unclear whether that will be made a legal requirement, in practice the new lockdown means there will be little reason for people to do so with almost everything — even food retailers — required to close at that time for the most intense seven days of the lockdown.

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Former UUP leader Mike Nesbitt, who sits on the Policing Board for his party, said it is likely the PSNI will be more “visible” during that period of time.

“The PSNI, so far, have adopted the same approach as every other service in the UK — which is the four Es of engage, explain, enourage and finally enforce,” Mr Nesbitt said.

“There’s not a lot of point in saying ‘here’s what we want you to do’ if you’re not prepared and willing to enforce it.

“I would expect the police to be more visible.

“I know that, back in the first lockdown, there were some mobile checkpoints. I certainly wouldn’t object to that happening again.

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“I think it makes sense to have a visible presence so that people know if they go against the regulations they will, at least, be challenged.”

Another Policing Board member, DUP MLA Trevor Clarke, also said he would support the PSNI if they intended to establish mobile checkpoints to ensure compliance.

“I’m one of the people that wants us to see a return to normality, but if the situation in the health service is as bad as people are telling us, then I think people should comply with it,” he said.

“And if the rest of us are following the rules while a minority of people are choosing not to, then yes I would support the PSNI stopping people and asking them where they are going.”

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Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said: “The new Regulations, due to take effect on 26th December, have not been laid yet.

“In the meantime, we can assure the public that we, as your Police Service, will continue to work with our health service colleagues and the NI Executive to slow the spread of the virus. “

TUV leader Jim Allister, meanwhile, said a legally enforcable 8pm curfew would be “a bit heavy handed” but stressed that it is unclear whether the rules would be included in legislation.

“Until the new Regulations are enacted and come into effect on 26th December, we will continue to use our four Es approach to police the restrictions.

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“We will engage with people and explain what we need them to do and encourage them to follow these restrictions. The public should know that while enforcement is a last resort, we won’t shy away from using it when necessary where people are in breach of the Regulations.

“The public will continue to see a visible policing presence, with our officers on the ground across our many towns and in our cities.

“This is the most serious public health emergency in 100 years and we would appeal to everyone to continue to play their part in slowing the spread of this deadly virus and helping everyone stay safe and save lives.”