Crime rates fall — but use of force by the police rises

Figures from 32 constabularies in England and Wales show a 19% fall in crime rates between April and June — but a 12.5% increase in the use of force by the police, according to a new survey.

Despite lower crime rates during this period, which coincided with the first lockdown, police deployed 12.5% more force — often to prevent injury to others and themselves against members of public.

The largest percentage increase of the use of force, which includes restraint, Taser and handcuffing, was recorded in West Yorkshire which saw a rise of 49%.

Data obtained by Liberty Investigated shows that there were 163,749 recorded instances of force by the police between April and June, compared with a total of 145,543 the previous three months — an increase of 18,206 incidents.

Rules enforced by the Government have presented new powers to the police who are able to fine and arrest members of the public as a “last resort” during the Covid-19 lockdown and tier restrictions.

Home Secretary Priti Patel spoke on behalf of Boris Johnson at the National Police Board meeting on November 4, saying £30m had been given to law enforcement to increase resources and ensure tougher restriction measures.

Recruitment has also improved under the pledge made by Boris Johnson during his campaign for Prime Minister as more than 3,000 additional officers have joined police forces following his election win. Plans have been set out to recruit 20,000 officers by 2023 — the same number of officers lost under the previous Conservative government.

Police have threatened they will breaking up large gatherings at Christmas if families breach tier rules.

People who are found to have organised an illegal gathering can be fined £10,000 and the penalty for violating restrictions such as meeting in groups larger than six is £200, while repeat offences are liable for a fine of up to £6,400.

As more than 55 million people across England enter the two highest Covid-19 tiers, there is disappointment in some quarters about the ongoing restrictions — although rules will be relaxed over Christmas.