Agenda item

The Committee heard a verbal update from the Special Interest Area lead for Public Order.

The Special Interest Area lead for Public Order thanked Lucy Sandford and Inspector Stuart Phillips for providing her with support as she took over the role.

The SIA Lead explained that, when looking at future challenges for public order, the City of London Police filling vacancies was an immediate issue.  Following a hiatus period where there was no recruitment process ongoing, the City of London Police have now commenced recruitment again.  Although there have been 20 newly recruited probationer officers, the need for training means that they will not all be fully operational for an additional period. The Commander of Operations clarified that although training time was effectively only one week for Public Order skills, the delay was due to the combined period of recruitment and training processes.  She explained that there was also a limited pool of those who hold the skillset to recruit from internally, but that there was a focus on improving recruitment campaigns and solidifying the skills requirements.

The SIA lead explained that unpredictability of workload, in the face of the occurrence of unexpected events, has been a significant factor impacting the work/life balance of those officers involved in public order resolution.

The SIA lead explained that uniforms and resources were also an issue of note.  She explained that there had been cooperation with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) on this, and the relationship between the two Forces was very supportive.

The Director of Estates & Support Services explained that the City of London Police are on-boarding the National Framework for the uniform of Police.  He explained to Members that their internal process was referenced in the Health & Safety Report.  He also explained that resilience stock was available for delivery 24/7.

The Commissioner explained that officers on the Support Group have been working very hard, and declared that the City of London Police were proud of their public protest management.  He also recommended that Members take the opportunity to witness Public Order training if interested.

RESOLVED – That the Special Interest Area lead for Public Order be heard.