People who intimidate workers will be dealt with, West Midlands police chief says
People who intimidate health or retail staff will be dealt with "robustly", the West Midlands' Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has said.
PCC David Jamieson issued the warning amid a national campaign calling on the public to be patient and polite when visiting a pharmacy.
It comes after the Pharmacists' Defence Association warned unprecedented demand is leading to staff experiencing threats and verbal abuse.
Mr Jamieson said: "I have launched an emergency update to my police and crime plan during the coronavirus outbreak.
"And within that updated plan, the protection for key services during the crisis, such as health and retail is paramount – this includes pharmacists who are a vital frontline service.
"I have made it absolutely clear that those people who intimidate or target health or retail staff should be dealt with robustly and they will be."
Paul Day, director of the Pharmacists' Defence Association, called on people to show understanding as they were "all in this together".
He said: "Patients need to understand that pharmacists are part of the health system and dispensing medicines is not simply a retail transaction.
"Pharmacists are making sure that the medicines will not cause the patient harm before they provide them and that takes a bit longer. Just like anyone in the NHS they need our support not abuse.
"No one should have to put up with abuse and threatening behaviour in the line of their professional duty.
"We are all in this together and the situation is unlikely to change for many weeks. Please show tolerance, patience and understanding when visiting your local pharmacy."
