Devon and Cornwall Police gets over £1.3 million to support coronavirus response
The money is part of a massive government cash pot to go towards the extra costs incurred during the pandemic
Devon and Cornwall Police is getting over £1.3 million to support its response to coronavirus.
The money is part of a £60 million cash pot from the government, to support the increased enforcement of restrictions.
It will also go towards extra costs incurred during the pandemic, including overtime and making police stations Covid secure.
Some forces will also get cash to help enforce restrictions at ports and airports too.
Since the start of the pandemic, officers across the country have played a crucial role in helping to stop the spread of the virus, by enforcing the Covid-19 regulations to protect the public, while continuing with investigations and keeping our streets safe.
£58 million of the money announced today will be made available to help pay for costs incurred by police due to the pandemic, including overtime and making police stations Covid-secure.
It brings the total amount of funding available to forces since the start of the pandemic to nearly £200 million.
From Monday, some forces will also assist with further increased presence and enforcement of regulations at airports and ports, to ensure travellers are complying with the new border health measures.
Additional officers will be deployed at airports and ports to support the enforcement of these regulations, including checking the reason for passengers' journeys and helping ensure compliance of arrivals from red-list countries who will be part of the mandatory quarantine scheme announced by the government this week.
Forces involved in these efforts will receive a share of £2 million to help cover costs of this additional activity to the end of March.
"Our police officers have worked tirelessly to keep the country's streets safe while enforcing the coronavirus regulations to protect the NHS and save lives.
"The public also have a vital part to play - this includes not travelling unless essential, which is why police will also be stepping up checks at airports.
"We are committed to supporting them as they continue this crucial activity and are providing specific funding for coronavirus costs".
Home Secretary, Priti Patel
The overall funding, which covers the financial year 2020/2021, will allow forces to maintain and, where necessary, increase capacity to continue enforcement of the regulations.
Shares of the £2 million for enforcement at airports and ports will be confirmed in due course.