HMIC Review of Public Order

Responding to the Report by H.M. Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Sir Denis O'Connor, published today, the President of the Police Superintendents'' Association Derek Barnett said;

The Report by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary is extremely timely, and serves as a stark reminder that there is a cost to providing effective and proportionate policing of protest. In recent weeks we have seen large scale demonstrations In London and across the country, and this has a financial and opportunity cost to police forces at a time when their budgets are being cut. The Police Service has a duty to protect public tranquility and safeguard people and property yet at the same time facilitating the democratic right to protest publicly. This balance is one that requires astute judgment and this report acknowledges the professional and proportionate manner in which the police service deals with this sensitive task. Forces must now address the issues raised by Sir Denis O'Connor as a matter of priority.