South Yorkshire officers ready and able to help officers out across the country
SOUTH Yorkshire Police officers are ready and able to help out colleagues in other parts of the country to deal with protests and high profile events.
South Yorkshire Police Federation Chair Steve Kent said his colleagues are always ready to be there ‘straight away’ to help other forces cope with demand.
It’s likely officers will be deployed to Cornwall later this summer to help Devon and Cornwall police with the security around the G7 summit.
It’s all part of broader police plans to ensure forces are ready for what could be a summer of ‘kill the bill’ discontent and other events where people might be drinking and gathering en masse.
“South Yorkshire Police is a public order specialist force, and we are used to dealing with it with the number of football clubs that we deal with, so it’s nothing new to us,” Steve said.
“We’re already prepared for officers having to go down to Cornwall.
“The national Federation has been keen to ensure overnight allowances are paid, which is really good.
“But if anything happens, whether it’s Manchester, Newcastle, Birmingham, wherever, I’m sure that our officers would be there straight away.
“It’s something we’re really good at.”
With protests and events in the post for policing, NPCC Lead for Public Order and Public Safety Chief Constable BJ Harrington said the public should be prepared to see more officers on the streets in certain areas.
“In light of the protests that have taken place across the country in recent weeks, as well as the forthcoming changes to the regulations, we believe it is sensible for forces to review their protest policing plans,” he said.
“We want to ensure that all forces have the capability to respond quickly and appropriately to any future protests, whether lawful or unlawful.
“As such, the public may see more police presence in some areas, though this isn’t something to be alarmed about.
“It isn’t based on any immediate danger or threat, but so we can be as prepared as possible.”