Policy Details
Ownership of Event Planning within Northumbria Police
Dated: 09 Oct 2012
NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED
POLICY TITLE: Ownership of Event Planning within Northumbria Police
OWNING DIRECTORATE: Local Policing and Operations
AUTHOR: Chief Inspector, Planning & Coordination, Operations Command
CONTACT DETAILS: 101 Ext. 68696
EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT: Complete
MOPI ASSESSMENT: Not applicable
AIM OF POLICY: The aim of this policy is to provide a consistent approach to event planning throughout the Force, ensuring that events which require police involvement are policed with due regard to the requirements of current legislation/guidance and the safety of those who take part in, or may be affected by the event. .
BENEFIT OF POLICY: Events will be planned in a consistent way to ensure safety.
REASON FOR POLICY: To ensure events are planned to the correct safety standards by competent persons. This policy acknowledges the positive duty to protect life incorporated in Article 2 of the Human Rights Act 1998. The rights conferred by Articles 9, 10 and 11 of the Convention - of freedom to manifest individual beliefs, freedom of expression and of assembly are also acknowledged.
Ensuring events are planned to the correct safety standards by competent persons acknowledges the positive duty to protect life incorporated in Article 2 of the Human Rights Act 1998.
The rights conferred by Articles 9, 10 and 11 of the Convention - of freedom to manifest individual beliefs, freedom of expression and of assembly are also acknowledged. Northumbria Police will act in a manner which affords enjoyment of these rights without discrimination on any grounds. It is the intention that these rights will be respected and balanced in a way which ensures that all events are planned and managed with safety as a priority.
These rights will only be impinged upon where there is lawful authority and it is necessary in the interests of public safety, the protection of health, to protect the rights and freedoms of others, or to prevent disorder or crime. This will only be done to an extent which is proportional in the circumstances and which is the least intrusive action, which will achieve the stated aim.
Determining Responsibility for Event Planning
All known events will be notified to the Chief Superintendent, Operations Command, who will evaluate and determine, in consultation with the relevant Area Commander, the level of involvement required from Operations Command, Planning and Co-ordination Unit.
Event planning will be determined using a three tier approach, involving;
Planning & Co-ordination Unit lead with area command support,
Area command lead with Planning & Co-ordination Unit support or
Area command lead with advice from Planning & Co-ordination Unit.
In the event that Chief Superintendent, Operations Command and the relevant Area Commander are unable to reach agreement on which approach will be adopted, the issue will be referred to a Chief Officer.
Football matches at Newcastle United and Sunderland Football Clubs will be planned and commanded under tier one by Operations Command. Other high profile sporting events, which may impact upon public safety, will also be subject to this policy.
SOURCE DOCUMENT: None
GROUPS AFFECTED: All Police officers and Police Staff
ACCESS AND DISCLOSURE RESTRICTIONS: None
This instruction is designed to avoid discrimination and in accordance with the Human Rights Act 1998 and its underlying principles.