Officers in Edinburgh have issued guidance on how to report incidents of lockdown rule flouting, as well as what to do in an actual emergency.
After the first stage of Scotland's route map out of lockdown began this weekend, multiple reports of people quickly ignoring the new rules have emerged, with many infuriated by the blatant disregard for social distancing and safety measures.
However to ensure that complaints and reports are directed to the correct location, Police Scotland have released a simple guide to for the public to follow.
The diagram published by the force has shown who to contact over any given situation and what the police service phone numbers should actually be used for.
The service enforced that understanding this information is vital, as a "misuse of 101/999 could cost lives".
The service have urged the public not to contact 101 for information about coronavirus, and instead use the health services and online resources. Those who phone 101 should only do so for the following reasons:
- To speak to your local police officer
- To get crime prevention advice
- To report a crime that's already happened
- To make them aware of policing issues in your area.
In the case of reporting cases of lockdown rule breaking or large social gatherings, advice indicates that those who are concerned should contact 101 to alert officers to "policing issues in your area".
As lockdown restrictions eased in Edinburgh, there have been a host of reports of rule breaking only days after the new measures were introduced. Large social gatherings have been spotted, alongside a lack of social distancing and excessive littering and rubbish dumping, as locals are allowed to meet their loved ones outdoors for the first time in weeks.
However, the advice was also extremely clear that Scots should only call 999 in a serious life threatening emergency to ensure that the lines are not blocked with unnecessary calls.
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999 should only be phoned if:
- There is a risk to personal injury or loss of life
- A suspected crime is occurring nearby
- A crime is in progress
