News / Scotland

Coronavirus: 78 arrested as police dish out 1637 fines

Action has mainly been taken in response to house parties or public gatherings.

Jack Thomson

24th Apr 2020

Police have handed out more than 1600 fines and made nearly 80 arrests while enforcing lockdown laws.

Officers have been called to to house parties and public gatherings, while a some people received multiple fines for repeatedly breaching restrictions.

Between Friday, March 27 and Thursday, April 23, Police Scotland issued 1637 fines and made 78 arrests across the whole of the country.

Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: “If you are out and about, officers may ask you why.

“Please, explain your individual circumstances, listen to their instructions and obey the law. We will, as we have been required to do on a very infrequent basis, take enforcement action where necessary.

Enforcement: Use of emergency powers by area. <strong>Police Scotland</strong>”/><cite class=cite></cite></div><figcaption aria-hidden=true>Enforcement: Use of emergency powers by area. <strong>Police Scotland</strong> <cite class=hidden></cite></figcaption></figure><p>“On the small number of occasions where officers have taken enforcement action, this has largely been in response to house parties or public gatherings, while a small minority of irresponsible and selfish people who repeatedly and wilfully break the law, have now received multiple fixed penalty notices.”</p><p>Scotland officially entered lockdown on the evening of Monday, March 23, before police were given emergency powers to arrest or fine flouters later that month.</p><p>Meanwhile, lawyer John Scott QC has been commissioned to lead an independent review into the police’s use of the legislation.</p><p>DCC Graham added: “For generations, successful policing in Scotland has relied on the consent of the communities we serve, and I am grateful for the very high levels of support and co-operation we have seen thus far.</p><p>“These are however extraordinary emergency powers which were introduced quickly and the Chief Constable has commissioned John Scott QC to lead an independent, external review of our use of them.”</p><div class=

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