Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 4
4
Police forces were unprepared for high levels of violence during last summer's disorder.
Conclusion
The levels of violence seen across the country last summer were the worst since 2011. Police officers worked tirelessly to respond to the disorder and it was only through their efforts that more serious injury and property damage was prevented. Nevertheless, in several cases it appears that police forces were unprepared for the level of violence and were initially unable to take a proactive approach to policing, leaving officers exposed to significant risk. Given the background of recent disorder, we agree with His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services that police forces should have better anticipated the risk of disorder in general. After disorder in Southport, police forces should not have taken it for granted that subsequent planned protests would remain peaceful. (Conclusion, Paragraph 25)
Government Response
A response document is linked to this report, dated 3 July 2025. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document ↗