College sets out support for public order officers after Downing Street meeting

The College of Policing will support forces to utilise all available tactics and the full extent of the law after violent disorder.

At a meeting with the prime minister the College set out plans to give guidance for senior officers specifically on violent disorder. Guidance and authorised professional practice (APP) already exists for public order.

Thousands of people have paid their respects to the victims of a knife attack in Southport on Monday. Six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar died in the attack. 

Axel Rudakubana, 17, from Banks in Lancashire has appeared in court charged with their murder and the attempted murder of 10 other people.

Violent disorder started in Southport on Tuesday evening with 53 police officers and three police dogs injured. On Wednesday evening more than 100 protesters were arrested in London and violence also broke out in Hartlepool. Police officers have come under attack from bottles, bricks and flares. 

My thoughts remain firmly with the families of the little girls killed in Southport and the other people who are still recovering. I cannot begin to comprehend the extent of their grief and trauma at this time.

This violence, from thugs who are hijacking the terrible grief felt across the country, is despicable, unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The same police officers who run towards harm to protect us are now being pelted with bricks, bins and fireworks. I’m grateful to the prime minister for extending his full support to my colleagues as they deal with this criminality.

Tonight, and over the weekend, police officers will be out in large numbers to protect us and our families. The College of Policing is making sure public order commanders have the support and guidance to utilise the full extent of the law and the tactics available to us. 

I say clearly to anyone who is seeking to bring further violence to our streets that your thuggish behaviour is not acceptable and not welcome in our communities. Police are already tracking down those involved in violence and anyone else thinking of joining in should know they will face the full force of the law.

Chief Constable Sir Andy Marsh, CEO at the College of Policing

Policing distressing events and disorder can be very challenging for officers and staff. The College of Policing’s National Police Wellbeing Service provides support and guidance around wellbeing. It is an evidence-based service which has been developed for policing, by policing, and is designed to meet the unique needs of police forces, officers and staff.

You can access self-care tips and advice and links to other helpful organisations and sources of support.

Oscar Kilo Wellbeing Service