INTERPOL issues international guidelines to support law enforcement response to COVID-19

Guidelines highlight current and emerging crime threats as well as practical advice for protection measures

LYON, France – INTERPOL has released international guidelines in order to enhance the safety and effectiveness of law enforcement and first responder support in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shaped in accordance with international best practices and the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations, the guidelines provide information on how officers can protect themselves and their families, and outline the various roles carried out by law enforcement during a pandemic. These include:

• border control and maintaining public order
• assisting national health authorities in identifying cases and their origin
• relaying public health measures to the population
• securing deliveries of medical equipment or transfers of patients

The rapid spread of the virus worldwide, and uncertainties as to its evolution, demand a global response. Here, law enforcement plays a crucial role, by contributing to the effort to control the disease, promoting safer communities, and fighting criminals who see the outbreak as an opportunity to increase – or diversify – their activities.

Accordingly the guidelines warn of emerging crimes linked to pandemic, including intimidation and deliberate dissemination attempts, fraud or phishing, cybercrime, and counterfeiting.

With police routinely running into dangerous situations to protect their communities, the guidelines are intended to be considered by law enforcement agencies as part of a response strategy to the outbreak in line with recommendations by national public health authorities. Their purpose is to supplement rather than replace national guidelines.

All measures taken by national law enforcement authorities should therefore conform with the applicable national legislation and international obligations.

INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock said all levels of law enforcement were being mobilized during this sensitive time.

“I have been speaking with police chiefs around the world who, along with their officers, are facing enormous pressure because of COVID-19,” said Secretary General Stock.

“To help them in their work, these guidelines outline both the current and emerging crime threats linked to this pandemic as well as advice on how officers should protect themselves, and the communities they serve.

“We are in this together, and INTERPOL will continue to provide whatever assistance our 194 member countries need,” added the INTERPOL Chief.

INTERPOLʼs secure global communications network I-24/7 ensures vital policing information continues to get where it is needed.

Its specialist crime units will share the latest trends and threats related to COVID-19, with its Command and Coordination Centre ensuring calls for assistance are answered.

The print edition of Gulf Times will not be published until further notice.

The board members of Gulf Publishing and Printing Company chaired by HE Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah has decided to put on hold the print edition of Gulf Times newspaper starting from March 18, 2020, until further notice.

The decision was taken due to logistic issues that prevent completing the printing process at the company’s press in the Industrial Area.

We notify that Gulf Times will be issued in the PDF format on the newspaper's website (www.gulf-times.com) as usual.

Gulf Times will continue working through its website and digital platforms continuously to cover the latest news and developments.

This decision comes in line with the precautionary measures taken by the State of Qatar to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Lockdown leaves dealers with battle of their lives| Ashok Leyland acquires 3.62% stake in HLFL| Every second car in the world will be electric by 2050

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Thundery rain accompanied by hail hits Qatar

Hail stone rain hits Qatar *****Unsettled weather conditions on intermittent periods from March 18, 2020, until the beginning of next week *******Thundery rain accompanied by hail was reported March 18 evening in Qatar

The Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather report, warning of thundery rain at places associated with strong wind at times. Thunderstorms of variable intensity continue in Doha and most areas of the country accompanied with strong wind and hail at times. Old Airport and Thumama area witnessed rain accompanied with intense fall of hail for a few minutes on Wednesday evening. “Kindly avoid all marine activities due to thunderstorms and unsettled weather conditions across the country,” Qatar Meteorology Department said on Twitter. According to latest radar image, thunderstorms that affected Doha have moved eastward offshore with continued scattered thundery rain along southeastern coastal arenas, they added. Offshore, it will be partly cloudy with chance of scattered rain may be thundery at times, the report added, warning of thundery rain associated with strong wind and high sea. Wind inshore will be southeasterly to easterly 10 to 20 knot, gusting to 28 knot at some places at times. Offshore, it will be easterly to southeasterly 10 to 20 knot, gusting to 25 knot with thundery rain. Visibility will be 4 to 8 or 3 kilometer or less at places at times. Sea state inshore will be 2 to 3 feet, rises to 4 feet with thundery rain. Offshore, it will be 3 to 6 feet, rises to 8 feet with thundery rain. #thunderstorm, #lightning, #rainyweather, #rain #hail, #thunderstormQatar #lightningQatar #rainyweatherQatar #rainQatar #hailQatar #thunderstormQatar, #lightningQatar, #rainyweatherQatar,#rainQatar, #hailQatar