Civil enforcement officer abuse Street level Jade Neville, head of service at OCS and former civil enforcement officer, looks at the rise in incidents of abuse towards frontline staff since the coronavirus lockdown n these unprecedented times, parking teams are working to support the countrys response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Those working in frontline roles often bear the brunt of peoples views, but no-one should have to endure verbal and physical abuse. However, since the beginning of March, there has been an increase in verbal and physical attacks on civil enforcement officers (CEOs). The effects of being a victim of a spittle attack are lasting I remember it as if it was yesterday but being a victim of a spittle attack during the coronavirus pandemic is another story. With the added complication around key worker status, frontline parking teams are being challenged by both public and the police* on whether their roles are necessary, further adding to the emotional impact of the situation. I Why are they there? The need for monitoring parking restrictions has never been more important. CEOs roles in maintaining traffic flow for emergency vehicles, essential deliveries and access to hospitals play a vital part in supporting communities. There has been a rise in abuse across multiple key sectors: shop assistants, cleaners and refuse collection teams are also facing increased levels of verbal abuse as tensions rise. Although the vast majority of the public are doing the right thing and supporting the workers who are helping their communities receive essential supplies and medical help, it is the few that leave a lasting impression. BPAs work to halt the hate Senior government officials have been made aware of the increase in abuse towards frontline staff since the Covid-19 outbreak, and we await their response. The BPA had already been lobbying about the need to tackle abuse of parking teams and this has been escalated because of the current situation. For more information, please contact Alison Tooze at Alison.t@britishparking.co.uk CEOs roles in maintaining trac ow for emergency vehicles, essential deliveries and access to hospitals play a vital part in supporting communities Adapting and responding Despite the challenges, our sector continues to adapt to support local communities across the country. CEOs have been delivering emergency food parcels and vital information to those who are self-isolating; supporting supermarkets with their click and collect services; and retraining as refuse collectors. Parking attendants in hospitals are working around the clock to ensure NHS staff can park swiftly and safely, and emergency vehicles have unhindered access to sites. Occasionally, tickets will be issued in error, but we need to manage and learn from these mistakes. We need each other now more than ever. So please, lets be kind, support one another, and keep on sharing our experiences. Support for those working on the frontline is available via the BPAs Wellbeing Hub, which is available to all individual members. For more information, please contact the membership team on membership@britishparking.co.uk or visit britishparking.co.uk *A number of councils have reported that the police are requesting CEOs cease their duties or face fines as they dont consider them to be essential workers. A recent response from the Metropolitan Police was very positive, as they instructed their teams not to advise CEOs to cease their duties but to provide support at a time when they are feeling especially vulnerable. The BPA is engaging with the police at a wider level to request they adopt the same stance as the Met. 18 britishparking.co.uk PN May20 pp18 CEO Abuse.indd 18 23/04/2020 15:01