Menu
07/07/2009
Met's G20 Protest Strategies 'Inadequate', Review States
The Metropolitan Police's planning for the G20 protests in April has been deemed "inadequate" and should be reviewed, a report has found.
Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC), Denis O'Connor, said police were too focused on tackling violence and not enough on allowing peaceful protest during the demonstrations in central London as world leaders met in April.
The report stated: "In the extensive planning undertaken by the MPS for the April 1st events, the consideration of peaceful protest that may be disruptive or obstructive is not evident."
It went on: "The range and appreciation of public order tactics taught at the training centre are also inadequate for the policing of modern protest."
The report also said: "Police officers were given the instruction to implement an 'absolute cordon, with discretion'.
"Officers could be forgiven for finding this instruction confusing and difficult to implement."
Mr O'Connor's report also found police use of "kettling" crowd confinement techniques was "inconsistent" when dealing with thousands of protesters in the City of London on 1 April, and should be "moderated" by providing officers on the ground greater discretion to allow peaceful protesters and bystanders more freedom of movement.
Regarding containment, the HMIC recommends that protesters and members of the public should be made aware of likely police action in order to make informed decisions.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has received a large number of complaints of alleged police brutality, with amateur footage from the protests appearing to show officers strike out at demonstrators.
One man died after the London protests and investigators are looking at other formal complaints about police actions.
But, in the 60-page report - 'Adapting to Protest' - he said the force had responded well to some of the challenges posed by the world summit.
Met Police Assistant Commissioner Chris Allison, who is in charge of Central Operations, in response the review, said: "Whilst containment is the most effective tactic that we currently have to deal with violence and disorder in these types of situation, the MPS has always acknowledged that there are challenges associated with it.
"The recommendations in the report signpost ways in which we can improve our use of this tactic."
(JM/BMcc)
Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC), Denis O'Connor, said police were too focused on tackling violence and not enough on allowing peaceful protest during the demonstrations in central London as world leaders met in April.
The report stated: "In the extensive planning undertaken by the MPS for the April 1st events, the consideration of peaceful protest that may be disruptive or obstructive is not evident."
It went on: "The range and appreciation of public order tactics taught at the training centre are also inadequate for the policing of modern protest."
The report also said: "Police officers were given the instruction to implement an 'absolute cordon, with discretion'.
"Officers could be forgiven for finding this instruction confusing and difficult to implement."
Mr O'Connor's report also found police use of "kettling" crowd confinement techniques was "inconsistent" when dealing with thousands of protesters in the City of London on 1 April, and should be "moderated" by providing officers on the ground greater discretion to allow peaceful protesters and bystanders more freedom of movement.
Regarding containment, the HMIC recommends that protesters and members of the public should be made aware of likely police action in order to make informed decisions.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has received a large number of complaints of alleged police brutality, with amateur footage from the protests appearing to show officers strike out at demonstrators.
One man died after the London protests and investigators are looking at other formal complaints about police actions.
But, in the 60-page report - 'Adapting to Protest' - he said the force had responded well to some of the challenges posed by the world summit.
Met Police Assistant Commissioner Chris Allison, who is in charge of Central Operations, in response the review, said: "Whilst containment is the most effective tactic that we currently have to deal with violence and disorder in these types of situation, the MPS has always acknowledged that there are challenges associated with it.
"The recommendations in the report signpost ways in which we can improve our use of this tactic."
(JM/BMcc)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 June 2006
Muslim leader comments on terror raid
The new leader of the Muslim Council of Britain has warned that trust between Muslims and the police could be damaged following a raid by anti-terrorist police in east London.
Muslim leader comments on terror raid
The new leader of the Muslim Council of Britain has warned that trust between Muslims and the police could be damaged following a raid by anti-terrorist police in east London.
06 November 2015
50 People Arrested During Protest March In London
Police arrested 50 people last night following an anti-capitalist protest in London. 48 suspects remain in custody while one person has been charged with assaulting a police officer and another received a caution. Large crowds gathered to take part in the Million Mask March on 05 November.
50 People Arrested During Protest March In London
Police arrested 50 people last night following an anti-capitalist protest in London. 48 suspects remain in custody while one person has been charged with assaulting a police officer and another received a caution. Large crowds gathered to take part in the Million Mask March on 05 November.
03 November 2004
London's armed response officers call off protest
A protest that seriously destabilised armed police protection teams in London yesterday has been called off. At one stage up to 130 of SO19's 400 specialists refused to carry their firearms in protest at the suspension of two colleagues who were found in an inquest to have unlawfully killed a man five years ago.
London's armed response officers call off protest
A protest that seriously destabilised armed police protection teams in London yesterday has been called off. At one stage up to 130 of SO19's 400 specialists refused to carry their firearms in protest at the suspension of two colleagues who were found in an inquest to have unlawfully killed a man five years ago.
06 September 2013
Convicted Police Murderer Dale Cregan Moves To Secure Hospital
The man jailed for the murder of two police officers has been moved from Strangeways prison in Manchester to the maximum-security Ashworth Hospital. 30-year-old Dale Cregan was given a whole-life sentence for the murders of PC Fiona Bone and PC Nicola Hughes as well as father and son David and Mark Short.
Convicted Police Murderer Dale Cregan Moves To Secure Hospital
The man jailed for the murder of two police officers has been moved from Strangeways prison in Manchester to the maximum-security Ashworth Hospital. 30-year-old Dale Cregan was given a whole-life sentence for the murders of PC Fiona Bone and PC Nicola Hughes as well as father and son David and Mark Short.
12 November 2014
Release Of Police Killer Described As 'Sickening'
The release of a man convicted of killing three unarmed police officers in 1966 has been described as "sickening". Harry Roberts, now aged 78, has been released from prison after serving 48 years for 1966 murders of three unarmed police officers in Shepherd's Bush in west London.
Release Of Police Killer Described As 'Sickening'
The release of a man convicted of killing three unarmed police officers in 1966 has been described as "sickening". Harry Roberts, now aged 78, has been released from prison after serving 48 years for 1966 murders of three unarmed police officers in Shepherd's Bush in west London.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
