Suffolk Police officers warned to gear up for a "long summer"
Suffolk Police Federation is encouraging staff to rest prior to the summer period
Police officers in Suffolk are being warned to expect a "long summer" as coronavirus restrictions ease.
Suffolk Police Federation has praised officers for "working tirelessly" during the pandemic, but highlighted demand will only increase as lockdown ends.
Darren Harris, Chair of Suffolk Police Federation, said: "The country is gladly coming out of the pandemic, businesses are starting to open up, the weather is getting better and the public are looking to enjoy that.
"But for the police, the demand is still there, the demand I think is going to increase. There's not that kind of holiday where they're going to put their feet up, the demand is going to carry on.
"It's been a long pandemic, it's been a long year and it's going to be a long summer."
The easing of restrictions, partnered with events such as the rescheduled Euro 2020 and the G7 Summit in Cornwall, which Suffolk officers will be part of, means members are being encouraged to take time off ahead of the busy period.
Mr Harris continued: "It's going to be difficult to take all the annual leave because of the demand. So, if you can take some time away from work and spend it with your family and your loved ones then do so. Just to get that respite and kind of reset and take a break. Use that leave because that's what it's there for, it's for a welfare purpose."
Suffolk Police Federation has welcomed the continued easing of coronavirus restrictions and is asking the public to enjoy the freedoms "sensibly" to allow "some kind of normality" to return.