A police chief who came under fire for allowing officers to chase Peak District ramblers with drones has retired.
Derbyshire Police chief constable Peter Goodman was accused of deploying “overzealous” tactics to enforce coronavirus lockdown rules.
The force published drone footage on its Twitter account in March shaming walkers for making “non-essential” trips to take exercise, contrary to Government guidance at the time.
It faced a further backlash two days later when officers dyed a beauty spot blue lagoon black “to make the water look less appealing” to visitors.
Mr Goodman has now announced his retirement. The force insisted it was not a response to the criticism.
Former Supreme Court Justice Jonathan Sumption QC was among those to weigh in on Derbyshire Police, branding the tactics “disgraceful”.
"This is what a police state is like. It's a state in which the government can issue orders or express preferences with no legal authority and the police will enforce ministers' wishes," he added.
"I have to say that most police forces have behaved in a thoroughly sensible and moderate fashion. Derbyshire Police have shamed our policing traditions."
Former justice secretary David Gauke described the drone post as "badly misjudged".
Mr Goodman defended his officers’ actions, saying he was operating in "unprecedented times" and had "never expected to be asked by the Government to play the role that we’re playing"
He is due to retire at the end of July after 13 years’ service, the force said.
In a statement, Mr Goodman said: “It has been my privilege and pleasure to lead Derbyshire Constabulary and I am very proud to have been part of such a hardworking and dedicated organisation.”
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He added: “I am extremely proud of the work that officers and staff do day-in-day-out, most of it going unsung. The dedication to keeping the communities of Derbyshire safe is second to none by all members of the force and I know that this will continue.
