This page is from APP, the official source of professional practice for policing.
The public order public safety (POPS) APP is not a protest advice document and covers a wide range of POPS events, including music festivals, sporting events, carnivals and many other events.
Protest operational advice
The National protest operational advice document (POAD) is protest advice that has been reviewed in light of His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services’ (HMICFRS) report ‘Getting the balance right?’ and government changes to public order legislation.
While the vast majority of protest activity in the UK is peaceful and requires no police engagement, protest activity can cause significant disruption to the lives of others. Such incidents require careful consideration to balance the rights of those involved with the wider community. The POAD is intended to assist POPS commanders and inform their decisions when considering ‘getting that balance right’.
POPS commanders should refer to the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) and College of Policing POAD when planning for the policing of protests.
For further guidance see the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 supplementary guide.