Coronavirus: Police officers put at risk by PPE 'postcode lottery' amid clashing advice, association warns

Police officers have been put at risk by a “postcode lottery” of protective equipment amid clashing coronavirus guidance from different authorities, an association has said.

The Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers in England and Wales said contradictory instructions had been issued based on clashing advice from Public Health England (PHE) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The body said that in recent advice, the advice on what personal protective equipment (PPE) to wear in what situations has changed four times. New guidance was issued later on Thursday.

“This resulted in the totally unacceptable position of different chief officers following different advice, thereby creating a postcode lottery of safety for police officers,” said chair John Apter.

“This constantly changing advice, a lack of guidance and mixed messages from PHE, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and HSE is nothing short of a disgrace; it’s dangerous and completely unacceptable. This is not a training exercise; this is reality and is a matter of life or death.”

National vice chair Ché Donald said some regional forces were using PHE guidelines and others were relying on instructions from HSE, which goes into more detail for different types of incidents.

“What we need is the availability of PPE and clear guidance and instruction on what incidents require what level of protection,” he told The Independent. “What we want is uniformity.”

Mr Donald argued that the current model of 43 independent regional police forces in England and Wales “doesn’t work for things like this”, following inconsistencies in the application of new coronavirus laws during the lockdown.

On Monday, the Home Affairs Committee was told that some forces were making PPE available to each officer to be used when required, while others had specialist “covid cars” to go to incidents thought to require protection.

Witnesses said there had been “teething problems around the distribution to forces early on” but current problems were thought to arise from local decisions on how to supply officers with equipment.

At least four police officers or staff members who suffered coronavirus symptoms have so far died in Britain, and representatives say confusion around PPE is driving up fear and anxiety among their colleagues.

Around 13 per cent of police officers and staff are currently off work because of illness, isolation or caring responsibilities in England and Wales, but regional forces vary between around 7 and 20 per cent.

Police leaders have not been told when testing – either for antigens or antibodies – may become available to officers.

The move would allow officers isolating as a precaution or recovering from the virus to return to work more quickly, easing the pressure on forces, who have warned that they may have to prioritise how they respond to crime.

Thousands of people working in the NHS, social care and local services have also revealed anxiety at the lack of gloves, masks, eye protectors and gowns.

Unison said staff from across the UK’s public services were scared that without the right protective equipment, they risk catching coronavirus and passing it on to their families, the elderly or vulnerable people they work with and care for.

General secretary Dave Prentis said: “We can’t go another week with health workers, care staff and those providing key local services feeling exposed to harm.

”The safety of NHS and care workers is absolutely critical – they are leaving their families this Easter to care for the loved ones of others in the most difficult circumstances imaginable. The very least they deserve is the equipment needed to keep them safe.”

The call came after several nurses and doctors, including a consultant who warned the prime minister about the lack of PPE, died after contracting coronavirus.

A spokesperson for PHE said the advice given to police officers had been drawn up by the NPCC.

New guidance was issued to officers later on Thursday which has “interpreted the existing PHE guidance” in conjunction with government experts.

It recommends the wearing of surgical masks and gloves in situations where there is a possible risk of infection from the public and social distancing is not possible, but not on routine patrol.

The advice says officers should add aprons and goggles where someone is showing symptoms.

The national lead for wellbeing, Chief Constable Andy Rhodes said: “The guidance aims to reduce the risk of infection for officers, staff and the public, which in turn helps us to safely police the streets and protects the NHS.

“In an incredibly fast moving situation, we are working closely with government and experts to make sure we have accurate up to date advice reflecting the unique circumstances our officers and staff work in.

“We have sufficient stocks of personal protective equipment for all forces and have established a reliable supply chain to ensure it is available to forces in the quantities needed.”