PRITI Patel has shut down demands from police asking for extra powers to enforce social distancing.
Emergency measures won’t be extended to let cops enter private homes to shut down parties.
The Police Federation have said there is a loophole in emergency powers which mean they cannot enter someone’s home to stop a house party or barbecue.
A Federation source told The Telegraph this is obstructing police efforts to stop the spread of the deadly virus.
They said: “We have asked they consider giving us powers around private gathering or gatherings in a private dwelling.”
“We have no right to enter a property.”
But the Home Secretary swiftly shut down any demands for more powers.
She told ITV: “The answer is no (to extra powers) I speak to the Police Federation on a regular basis, on a weekly basis.”
“In Greater Manchester they have had over 600 examples of house parties taking place and to be fair to their police officers, by policing by consent… they’ve been able to break up those house parties.”
“Policing by consent means that our officers engage and they encourage.
“They discuss with members of the public the type of behaviours and the responsibility they have through this particular health pandemic on how they can stop the spread of the disease.”
After lockdown measures were introduced, police in Derbyshire had to shut down a “massive” karaoke party with 25 people.Â
Under current legislation police can only enter a private home in a handful of circumstances such as if they are in close pursuit of someone they believe has committed or attempted to commit a serious crime.
Ms Patel warned police officers last week about “heavy-handed” tactics.
She rebuked a police chief who suggested road blocks could be introduced and shoppers’ trolleys checked for “non-essential” products.
Police can currently hand out £60 fines if people are not following the rules to stop the spread of coronavirus.
If people continue to ignore rules, the fines can go up to almost £1000.
Those who disobey the measures even after being fined, can be arrested and sent to jail.Â
Brits can also be fined if they refuse to give out personal information or say where they are going.
Police have turned to using drones to enforce the social distancing measures.
Air safety regulations governing the use of technology have been relaxed so police can fly drones in parks, beaches and housing estates, according to The Times.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will also allow drones to be flown at higher altitudes and closer to people than previously allowed.
It also relaxed rules about operating the devices beyond the pilot’s line of sight – as long as they are observed by a second officer.
Some forces have already started using drones to enforce the lockdown.
Surrey police used a “sky talk” drone to play a recording message to a group of 30 people going for a walk in Walton-on-Thames over the Easter weekend.
