Derbyshire police chief says force will continue to ensure everyone follows lockdown rules

Firstly, I should thank our NHS colleagues and frontline workers of every description who are working so hard to get us through this crisis.

The actions of so many charities, organisations and residents who’ve pulled together to help vulnerable people in need is inspiring.

I’m also very proud of Derbyshire Police who are working around the clock to support the nation’s response to this pandemic and ensure people comply with the regulations that are necessary to protecting lives.

This is new territory for all of us and all we can do is take the action we know will save lives to limit the spread of this awful disease.

In most cases, this is simply staying at home unless absolutely essential.

There remains a small minority of people who believe this crisis doesn’t affect them.

By undermining the rules designed to protect them, they risk putting other people’s lives at risk and adding to the unprecedented demands already being experienced our emergency services.

This was the case recently with reports of visitors flocking to Derbyshire’s many remote beauty spots, which is why the drone was deployed.

I’ve also been disappointed to hear reports of hate crime emerging from Chesterfield and beyond.

There remains absolutely no place for hate and let me assure our communities police will continue to tackle all reports robustly, regardless of the surge in policing activities.

This is not a drill and our police officers, like many public service workers throughout the country, are working flat out to keep people safe.

I fully support the actions of the force and I know they are working incredibly hard in the most challenging of circumstances.

The vast majority of people believe that it is irresponsible to ignore the warnings, and have tremendous respect for the difficult job our NHS workers are doing.

For those who do not, it is reasonable to expect the police to intervene.

Please continue to follow the guidance and stay at home, protecting your families and everybody else.

Hardyal Dhindsa is police and crime commissoner for Derbyshire.