Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 4
4
Accepted
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 Summary
The government states that the police have reviewed the national mobilisation plan, which now specifically describes a national public order gold role with explicit authority for national mobilisation numbers and strategy, and this plan has been agreed and circulated amongst forces. The government will reflect on these changes for the Police System Reform White Paper.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
We are working with the police to ensure measures for the Police System Reform White Paper are suitably designed to tackle the policing challenges of the future. Separately, and focused specifically on their response to public order, the police have reviewed the national mobilisation plan, which now specifically describes the national public order gold role, who has explicit authority to decide on national mobilisation numbers and to set the strategic plan that forces should follow (‘tier 4’ mobilisation). The plan has been agreed at Chief’s Councils and circulated amongst forces. The Government will reflect on how these changes can be built upon in the Police Reform White Paper. 3. National policing response