THE impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has been felt within every industry and service, with the police being no exception.

Despite staffing levels "improving" within Wiltshire Police, Inspector Pete Sparrow, of the Salisbury community policing team, told the Salisbury Area Board last week that the coronavirus crisis has put a "massive demand on resources", with officers adapting to new roles and being instructed to isolate when necessary.

Covid-19: The "biggest impact" on police

As part of the force's duty to enforce Covid-19 regulations, officers are allocated every day to patrol populated areas, based on intelligence, encouraging social distancing and the wearing of masks and discouraging unnecessary travel away from the home.

Describing Covid as the "biggest impact" on police right now, Inspector Sparrow said: "All the emergency services are struggling as we are constantly having to rotate staff in and out of isolation due to contact with people with Covid.

"All I can do is applaud my officers for the way they are dealing with this and are taking a very pragmatic stance when they are being asked to isolate again for another ten days. It is becoming difficult when we’re then trying to meet the demands that are coming in."

Staffing and crime trends

Three new police community support officers (PCSO) are joining the neighbourhood team, and following review the PCSO numbers have been increased in the south and east areas of Salisbury, which Inspector Sparrow anticipates will improve police visibility across the city.

Discussing crime trends across both Salisbury and the county, Inspector Sparrow told the Area Board that the previous two lockdowns had seen a drop in criminal activity, and he can “almost guarantee” there will be another decline when the data forms for the third lockdown.

What else have police been up to?

According to Inspector Sparrow's report, there has been "significant focus" over the last six months on Culver Street Car Park, Paynes Hill and Barnard Street in Salisbury, resulting in a partnership 'problem solving' approach.

Funding was secured from Salisbury City Council and the Police Crime Commissioner to move two CCTV cameras to what has been described as "key locations" in this area of the city, which has assisted in identifying offenders.

A project to address anti-social behaviour, drug use and rough sleepers in Culver Street Car Park had formed, but the funding for this came from the Pople Friendly Streets pot - money which has now been reallocated since its suspension at the end of last year.

Another area neighbourhood officers are focusing on, in connection with Wiltshire Council, is John Baker House on Rollestone Street, identifying ways to reduce demand from this site.

Finally Inspector Sparrow urged listeners to continue following the Covid-19 lockdown guidance, so communities can remain safe and police resources can be used elsewhere.