16 January 2021
Following reports that a Covid Marshal had been overstepping their responsibilities by searching residents and even attempting to make an arrest, one member of staff from security firm TMS Protection has been removed from the relevant contract.
Covid Marshals in Tonbridge and Malling are being funded by Central Government through a £50,000 Local Authority Compliance Grant until the end of March when the funding ends.
Councillor Mark Hood commented that one Covid Marshall had been behaving like a police officer and welcomed the clarification of their roles. “They are meant to be advising on social distancing and making people aware of the guidance, but they seem to be overreaching their remit. I am not sure how long we are going to have them, but someone needs to get them to focus on what they should be doing, such as breaking up large groups of people.”
A TMBC spokesperson confirmed: “We will be working with the contractor to review and strengthen the training our marshals receive to ensure they are absolutely clear on the scope of their role, which is to provide a reassuring presence and help keep people safe.”
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