“Loose talk costs lives,” G8 police officers warned
POLICE officers deploying to Northern Ireland for the G8 Summit in June have been warned not to discuss details of the operation on social media forums.
Security for the meeting of world leaders in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh will require the support of nearly 3,000 officers from forces outside the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Officers providing mutual aid have been urged to be “sensitive to the different security risks” associated with the deployment.
In a statement published on 11 April, the Police Federation of England and Wales said: “Please refrain from discussing your deployment in any open forum and particularly on social media. Loose talk costs lives. This is strongly advised by your colleagues in the Police Federation of Northern Ireland.”
The PFEW, which initially advised officers not to volunteer for the event, said its concerns, which ranged from training and uniform to security and insurance, have been “satisfactorily addressed or are in the process of being sorted”.
It added: “We are working to ensure officers deployed for the event taking place at Loch Erne Golf Club on the 17 and 18 June have all issues dealt with to ensure the smooth and successful running of the event for all involved.”
Officers deploying to G8 have been told that their movements in Northern Ireland will be restricted for security reasons and that they will have no rest days during their stay. Training for the event began on 8 April.
The Police Federation group insurance will reportedly cover officers’ deployment but the Federation has said individual insurance policies must be checked.
“We are in negotiation with the government to find some indemnity to cover any short fall,” the Federation said. “Please check your force position if you do not have insurance. Some forces will not allow your deployment without insurance in place.”
Officers have also been told to bring their passport, NHS medical card or number, and warrant card.
The Federation will be issuing updates on the deployment and will open a 24/7 advice line for deploying officers from 12 to 20 June. Before then, officers are advised to direct any questions to [email protected].