A national examination of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) issued by police forces under the Coronavirus (Covid-19) regulations has shown a low overall rate in fines issued across England and Wales with young men receiving the biggest proportion.

It also shows that across England and Wales black, Asian and minority ethnic people were issued with a FPN at a rate of 1.6 times higher than white people.

In Lincolnshire the analysis, which was undertaken by staff from the Government Statistical Service and covered the period between 27 March and 25 May, broadly follows the national theme in terms of disparity rates.

However, caution and context must be applied when considering percentage rates because of the small number of people belonging to a BAME group who reside or may have visited Lincolnshire during the period analysed. Because the numbers are low, it means the percentages are high when considering ratios.

In Lincolnshire, the report states that a total of 219 FPNs were have been issued between 27^th March and 25^th May, which are broken down as below:

White	191
BAME:	19
BAME, of which:
Black	8
Asian (and Chinese)	2
Mixed	6
Other	3
Unknown	9
TOTAL	219

ACC Kerrin Wilson explained what the figures mean for the county:

“Throughout the Covid lockdown period and to date Lincolnshire have always followed the Engage, Encourage, Explain ethos before any Enforcement activity has been taken.

“For those we have issued tickets to I have ensured the integrity of every single one of these tickets through a centralised scrutiny of them in addition to local management oversight. This ensured consistency and appropriateness of all.

“The total number of tickets issued were relatively low, only 219 out of a population of 750,000 in a 2 month period. Lincolnshire has a population made up of 97.6% White and 2.4% B.A.M.E.* From this only 19 FPNs were issued to B.A.M.E. individuals and of those 12 were visiting the County from other force areas.

“I welcome this report. I would urge those who are interested in this report to really look at the comparison data rates and understand the whole picture. For us it makes sure we continue to examine ourselves and our practices so that we are aware of disproportionality, and the need to avoid any complacency on the part of individual officers or the Force.”

To find out more about the data visit:

https://news.npcc.police.uk/releases/independent-analysis-of-coronavirus-fines-published