Covid policing approach
This week our policing approach remains the same. You will continue to see officers engaging with our communities and explaining the regulations. We will continue to police by consent with enforcement remaining a last resort.
The focus of our policing role, in relation to the Covid regulations, will be on any larger gathering and groups where the risk to health would be at its greatest.
The vast majority of people are following the new Government regulations and we are grateful to our communities for doing so.
Religious occasions
We would like to send our very best wishes to those in our community who will be looking forward to celebrating Eid this weekend.
Although Eid is traditionally marked with congregational prayers in mosques and parks followed by parties amongst families and friends, Eid in the time of the Coronavirus will look different. Places of worship remained closed, along with large gatherings, and the latest government guidelines mean that it is not possible for religious premises to open at this time.
Instead, Muslims are being encouraged to celebrate Eid in the same way as Ramadan: from home, and virtually with friends and family.
The Muslim Council of Britain has published a helpful flyer, which I have attached.
Volunteering
As you know, we have continued with our business as usual policing over recent weeks and have had fantastic support in doing so from volunteers. On Saturday, 16 May, more than 420 special constables from a number of specialist teams took to the streets, roads and parks to support and police communities across London. They were supported by more than 150 volunteers who have signed up since the beginning of the pandemic.
Twelve arrests were made throughout the day, which also included 61 weapons sweeps and 341 groups dispersed as lockdown rules were explained and people encouraged to return home.
On the South East Command Unit, 42 special constables were deployed and their activities resulted in arrests for robbery and assault, hotspot patrolling, stop and search and vehicles seizures for no insurance. They also worked with our volunteers to deliver crime prevention advice.
If you, or anyone you know, is interested in becoming a Met volunteer, please visit our website:https://www.met.police.uk/car/careers/met/police-volunteer-roles/
Thank you for your continued support.
Kind regards,
Mick
Mick Chattenton | Chief Inspector Neighbourhoods
South East Command Unit |Bexley, Lewisham and the Royal Borough of Greenwich
