COVID-19
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Advice and information about coronavirus (COVID-19) and what we're doing to keep the public safe.
We are working hard to keep you safe from coronavirus and from crime.
Emergencies
We are still responding to emergency and high-priority calls and in an emergency always call 999.
If it's not an emergency or urgent text 61016 to report a crime or incident, or complete our online form.
What you can and cannot do
The rules are different depending on which country you are in:
What we are doing?
As has been the case throughout the pandemic, in Scotland Wales our officers will continue to be out across the rail network supporting rail colleagues, engaging with passengers, and encouraging people to wear face coverings. They will continue with the ‘4Es’ approach of engage, explain, encourage and, as a last resort, enforce any Coronavirus legal requirements.
We are no longer involved in the policing of face coverings in England, as the legislation was removed on 27 January 2021.
Face coverings on public transport
In the context of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, a face covering is something which safely covers the nose and mouth. You can buy reusable or single-use face coverings. You may also use a scarf, bandana, religious garment or hand-made cloth covering but these must securely fit round the side of the face.
Face coverings are not classified as PPE (personal protective equipment) which is used in a limited number of settings to protect wearers against hazards and risks, such as surgical masks or respirators used in medical and industrial settings.
Face coverings are instead largely intended to protect others, not the wearer, against the spread of infection because they cover the nose and mouth, which are the main confirmed sources of transmission of virus that causes coronavirus infection (COVID-19).
Face coverings have been a legal requirement in Scotland and Wales since 2020. We are no longer involved in the policing of face coverings in England, as the legislation was removed on 27 January 2021.
Officers across Scotland and Wales will continue with the ‘4Es’ approach of engage, explain, encourage and, as a last resort, enforce any coronavirus legal requirements.
You can find out more about the different rules across the UK on the relevant regional websites:
The legal system during coronavirus restrictions
Victim and witness services
There is likely to be some disruption to victim and witness services. Victims and witnesses who are already receiving support from their local services providers should contact their support service in the first instance. The Ministry of Justice has published details of specialist helplines.
Prisons and detention
Because of coronavirus you can't currently visit someone in prison. Stay at home and use other ways to contact them.
Contact the prison directly if you want to find out how it’s operating differently because of the virus.
Courts and tribunals
If you're on the jury of a trial which is underway, it will continue, following social distancing guidelines, and you will be expected to attend unless:
- you have symptoms of coronavirus, or have been diagnosed with a coronavirus infection
- official government advice says you need to self-isolate because you're considered vulnerable/at risk
- there is another reason why you cannot attend.
If you meet one or more of these criteria and can no longer undertake your jury service, please contact the court.
If you have already started jury service but haven't yet been selected for a trial or you've been selected for jury duty, do not attend court unless you've been contacted by the Jury Central Summoning Bureau (if you're unsure, you can call them on 0300 456 1024.
List of open, staffed and suspended courts
If you're a witness, please check here for the latest advice