Police officers in England can tell people to leave someone’s home if they are breaching new lockdown rules but cannot force them to go, according to the guidance issued to forces.
A document from the National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing said: “From 1 June 2020, the approach to restrictions has changed.
“Rather than requiring a reasonable excuse to leave the place where a person is living, there are specific things that members of the public cannot do.
“A person may now leave and remain outside of the place where they live for any reason, subject to restrictions on gatherings and overnight stays.”
Regarding “police powers for overnight stays”, it says: “You may only direct a person to return home. There are no powers in the regulations to remove someone or use force. Fixed penalty notices and arrest still apply, where appropriate.”
The document also points out the laws put in place “provide no power of entry”.
However, officers still have existing powers at their disposal to gain entry to a property where they suspect illegal activity to be taking place.
