Northumbria Police has refused to rule out fines if parents use relatives to help with childcare.
However it is understood fines would in many ways be a last resort, with the force instead seeking to "engage" with families first.
Relatives outside of bubbles - including grandparents - are banned from caring for children under tough new local lockdown rules across Tyneside.
There is growing backlash against the Government's decision, which could see police fine people £100 if they ask relatives to care for kids as they work.
And one North East councillor has labelled the decision "bizarre".
"Parents and children are being left in limbo and that simply isn't on," said Lib Dem Cllr Nick Cott, leader of the opposition in Newcastle.
"We were already concerned that the restrictions place a disproportionate burden on households, particularly for individuals who may be lonely, vulnerable or elderly.
"But to hit working families who rely on other family members to look after their children like this is bizarre."
Collectively, the North East's councils approached the Government and asked for the new rules. However, they wanted informal childcare to be allowed, so that family members could care for kids while they worked.
However Matt Hancock rejected that idea. Instead, he only permitted professional childcare that is paid for.
North East MPs have since quizzed the Health Secretary into his Government's decision.
Blaydon MP Liz Twist claimed informal healthcare was an "absolute necessity" to help the region's poorest people work.
And I an Lavery, MP for Wansbeck, said the move would pressure parents into making "impossible decisions" between family and their jobs.
The Health Secretary claimed it was done to help protect grandparents from catching Covid-19. However he since promised to look into his decision.
Now while a top police officer has refused to rule out fines for parents under the new rules, he's insisted any action would be "proportionate".
And while it is unlikely that parents or grandparents would be instantly slapped with a fine if they were caught flouting the new rules, Assistant Chief Constable Neil Hutchison previously stated that they must be followed to help slow the spread of the virus.
"It is extremely important that everyone understands them and shows personal responsibility in following the restrictions – we all have a part to play in keeping each other safe," he said.
“Given the many demands already faced by our local and emergency services, by adhering to the regulations everyone can help ensure vital resources are not being diverted to situations which could easily be avoided.
“However, as we have previously made clear, where it is proportionate for us to do so we will respond to people breaking the rules, with any reports we receive assessed to determine the most appropriate course of action.
“We will look to engage with people in the first instance, explaining the restrictions and encouraging them to follow the regulations. However, where necessary, we will take enforcement action.
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The new rules came in at midnight. They will see pubs close at 10pm, while households could be fined for hosting others in their homes or gardens.
They come amid rising concerns nationally of a second lockdown, with experts fearing cases of the deadly virus are doubling each week.
