Robin Smith said he hoped not to have to use the laws given to the force under last week’s emergency legislation and stressed it would only be used where ‘absolutely necessary’.
The COVID-19 (Screening, assessment and isolation) (Jersey) Regulations 2020 came into force on Saturday.
Jersey went into so-called lockdown yesterday, meaning Islanders should only leave their homes for essential purposes, such as grocery shopping or exercise, for a maximum of two hours a day.
Section five of the law gives the police powers to remove people from public places – even if they are not to be prosecuted for breaking the new law. Those who flout the law can face fines up to £1,000.
The law also gives authorities the powers to enforce self-isolation, testing and screening and detain those who are potentially infected.
Mr Smith, who joined the force in January, said that officers were being urged to ‘engage, explain and encourage’ with Islanders regarding the new rules and then ‘enforce’ as a last resort.
He posted a photo on Twitter of himself stopping cars near the Weighbridge as they headed east towards the Tunnel. Other Islanders have reported seeing officers around the Island ensuring people were adhering to social-distancing advice.
Mr Smith said: ‘It is our expectation that Islanders will comply fully with the measures, recognising that they are ultimately saving lives.
‘Our policing approach through this period is clear. We will engage with those we suspect to be in breach of the stay-home instruction, explain why these measures are so important in slowing the spread of the virus and saving lives, encourage people to comply and enforce – only, where absolutely necessary, using all available powers.’
He added: ‘We are extremely thankful to the many Islanders who have been so supportive and diligently followed the government advice thus far. It is our hope never to have to use the emergency powers we have been given but we will not hesitate to do so to protect the public and to maintain law and order.
‘We wish to reassure all Islanders that the States of Jersey Police will continue to be there for all who need us throughout this challenging period.’
