Caroline Pidgeon has written to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner to understand the force's plans to keep police officers, staff, detainees and the public safe during the COVID-19 crisis.
Caroline wrote:
There will be many across London who have concerns over the custody environment and the safety of officers, staff and detainees when it comes to the possible transmission of COVID-19 in these environments.
...
I also wanted to raise some questions and concerns I had around the issue of bail during the COVID-19 crisis. Some have suggested that wider consideration should be given to the use of bail during the crisis, as it is expected to last for several months at the very least.
...
I am asking the above questions in the interest of protecting police officers, staff, suspects and those who have potentially been victims of crime. I appreciate that the COVID-19 crisis has raised complex challenges for all services, including the Met, and I have nothing but respect and admiration for the dedication and bravery of Met officers and staff at this challenging time.