The College has yesterday launched a consultation on updated guidance for policing protests and events.

Updated guidance for public order and public safety is now out for consultation.

The College has made the amendments to the Authorised Profession Practice following changes in legislation under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022.

The Act, which came into force on June 28, introduced a statutory offence of public nuisance (in place of the common law offence) and increased sentences for emergency worker assaults.

Further changes included increasing the range of conditions police can impose on public assemblies and increasing the sentences for obstructing a highway.

The new guidance provides information on:

-the roles and responsibilities of public order commanders

-planning and deployment of resources and tactics at protests and events

-legislation and policing powers, for example, human rights, use of force and obstruction of highways

-national training standards and public order career development opportunities

Within the guidance, Commanders are asked to “plan to minimise recourse to the use of force”. This might include considerations around setting standards, style, tone and dress code as well as consequences of having police in direct contact with the crowd.

Additionally, the College sets about that communication strategies and media engagement should be inclusive.

With regards to ensuring a proportionate response, each event ought to be viewed as “unique and distinct”, and forces should be looking to stop using any generic command and deployment plans.

The consultation is due to close on February 16 – you can view it here.