Priti Patel has praised police for their efforts throughout the pandemic during a visit to Nottingham.
The Home Secretary made the trip to Eastwood in the district of Broxtowe on Thursday, April 8.
Ms Patel was asked about recent scenes in Nottingham at parks such as the Arboretum and Forest Recreation Ground, where large groups were seen ignoring the rule of six and heavily littering amid sunny weather and restrictions being eased.
The Home Secretary said she was pleased with how forces up and down the country have policed during the pandemic and praised "the vast majority" for sticking to the rules in place.
She told Nottinghamshire Live: "First of all, I would like to say how proud I am of our policing at all levels. Everyone from chief constables, to officers on the ground, have done a tremendous job under extremely difficult circumstances throughout this pandemic.
"I have been so impressed with everyone’s efforts and how they’ve handled all the challenges that have come their way.
"I think people’s attitudes are naturally changing as well in terms of keeping their distance from one another, going out in smaller groups, and so I think this will certainly help moving forward.
"The vast majority of people have been following the rules very well and their actions are certainly appreciated.
"As we continue on the government’s roadmap, starting on April 12 when places such as pubs are going to reopen, our policing will be constantly changing and adapting as these new rules come into place and change.
"We will continue to enforce these rules when it’s necessary to do so."
Ms Patel spoke to members of the press outside Eastwood Library and expressed her support for candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner candidate Caroline Henry.
Ms Henry, who is married to Broxtowe MP Darren Henry, is standing to be elected as the Conservative candidate against Labour candidate Paddy Tipping.
Elections for the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) will take place on Thursday, May 6.
