Sussex PCC's video log: Thank you to those on the frontline

New policing powers have been introduced to combat the spread of the virus and ensure everybody adheres to the Government guidelines in place.

Mrs Bourne is reassuring the public that the police will only use these powers as a last resort. They will first talk to people and encourage and persuade them to do the right thing, but, if a small minority insist upon acting recklessly, officers will have to enforce the law.

A worrying number of reports have been made nationally of threatening assaults on emergency workers this week.

Only yesterday a man from Brighton was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison and forced to pay three counts of compensation for spitting at officers whilst claiming to have COVID-19.

Mrs Bourne said: “In many ways this pandemic has already brought out the very best in our communities but where it brings out the worst, offenders will be swiftly brought to justice.

“However, I want to recognise that it is only a few individuals who are continuing to act in a selfish and danger manner.

“I know that the majority of residents here in Sussex are complying with the measures put in place to protect them and

showing an overwhelming amount of support for frontline staff.

“I thank you for this demonstration of positive community spirit in such challenging times.”

Helpful and trusted guidance can be found on the Gov.uk website and on Sussex Police’s website.