Former Derbyshire police chief ready to don uniform again to help with coronavirus crisis

Kul Mahay, a former chief superintendent at Derbyshire Police, has offered to go back on the beat to help the force cope with the coronavirus crisis.

Kul Mahay spent 32 years in the police, retiring as chief superintendent in 2015, and believes that experience is potentially valuable in helping to enforce the lockdown period.

He said: “I heard that the National Police Chiefs Council were working with government to facilitate the return of recently retired officers and have already filled in the necessary paperwork to return.

“For me, I always wanted to be a police officer. It was my dream job from the age of 10 and it was an honour to wear the uniform.”

Police have been given increased powers during the coronavirus lockdown, creating new workload demands as officers oversee social restrictions.

People ignoring tougher restrictions could be hit with a £60 fine initially with second-time offenders fined £120 if they fail to heed the warning.

Parents who fail to stop their children from breaking the rules will also be fined and, if fines aren’t paid within the designated period, then magistrates are able to impose unlimited fines.

The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) though, has told regional forces to use these tougher measures as a ‘last resort’ amid backlash over tactics being used in some areas.

Derbyshire Police became a subject of national discussion were widely criticised for filming and shaming walkers in the Peak District with a drone.

The NPCC says officers should “engage, explain and encourage” people to follow the new regulations before dishing out fines to maintain positive relationships.

Kul, who now works as a life coach and career mentor training police forces in emotional well-being and intelligence, thinks that the ‘soft’ skills of policing are critically important at times such as these.

He said: “Retired police officers have a lot of experience which they can bring back to the force and I believe that most officers would jump at the chance to make a difference once more.

“I believe that we could offer some sort of support role in the current climate, to help free up those on the frontline.”