Lord Bracknell
On fire
An interesting report that has been prepared for the Sussex Police Authority:-
PROTECTIVE SERVICES SCRUTINY COMMITTEE – 16 JANUARY 2012
POLICING OF FOOTBALL IN SUSSEX
REPORT BY CHIEF CONSTABLE
Introduction
1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide the Committee with an overview of
the policing of matches at the American Express (AMEX) Community Stadium
to date, as well as providing a summary of the current picture in Crawley and
Eastbourne.
1.2 The report will also provide an update on the policing strategies used and the
lessons learned to date.
Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club
2.1 Following promotion to The Championship League, Brighton & Hove Albion
(BHAFC) the club moved to the AMEX Stadium and, including ramp-up
games, have now played 12 matches at their new venue.
2.2 With a capacity of 22,500 (visiting capacity of 2,500), compared to 8,000 at
the Withdean Stadium, the potential policing challenge was considerable. An
extension of the neighbourhood policing model, combined with a strong
partnership with the club and other agencies has ensured that any problems
experienced have been minimal.
2.3 Police officer and steward capabilities have grown with each match and a
high level of responsible confidence now exists. Officers deployed at the
stadium have been instrumental in providing suggestions to improve police
operations and the service provided to supporters.
2.4 Brighton & Hove Division is responsible for the planning of Category A and B
matches. Category C, being the highest, is a Force-led operation. These
categories relate to the stadium footprint and separate public order threat
assessments denote the resource requirements for the city and other areas
of Sussex. An average football season may well include 6 Category B
matches and 3 Category Cs. Policed matches usually require between 20 and
50 officers to be deployed at the stadium.
2.5 Community impact monitoring has remained a key consideration for this
football season, with Neighbourhood Policing Officers patrolling the adjacent
communities and those areas likely to experience increased footfall, such as
Lewes. A plan for Lewes District is being prepared which will provide a
scaled response, based on pre-match assessments, and this will allow for a
range of deployments, starting with enhanced licensing activity, patrols by
Neighbourhood Policing Officers, as well as the support of Operation Albion
public order units, if required.
2.6 BHAFC contribute to the policing costs, as per Association of Chief Police
Officers (ACPO) guidelines (Wigan Judgment), and these receipts are used to
ensure that normal neighbourhood business is sustained. Monies also help to
ease the pressures created by the associated public order operations away
from the stadium footprint. Financial support is also provided to other
Divisions asked to assist with the policing operation, in order to minimise the
consequential impact on Sussex communities.
2.7 Most of the attending spectators travel via rail, coach, or make use of one of
the four park-and-ride sites; with around 1,400 people entering the stadium
footprint on foot. An average of 7,000 spectators travel by rail and, through
joint operations with British Transport Police (BTP) and Southern Railway,
Falmer Station operations usually return to normality 35 minutes after the
end of the match.
2.8 The A27 and slip road to Falmer have traditionally presented particular
challenges at peak times during the week, and vehicles often queue back to
the main road from late in the afternoon. Since the opening of the stadium,
and largely in relation to evening matches, the road networks have suffered
significant disruption before and after the matches. Short term measures,
such as police control of the Village Way traffic lights have assisted, but
other solutions need to be put in place. An emergency clearway order has
been granted for that part of the A27 and the club, police, and highways are
committed to seeking prompt solutions to these issues. This is the current
leading area of concern for all parties, with the club remaining fully
committed to resolving this.
2.9 For most match days the average number of steward ejections is four, with
approximately two arrests per game. There have been no associated crime
trends experienced by the surrounding communities.
2.10 The Crystal Palace match presented exceptional challenges, as a
consequence of a bitter rivalry, and after not having played each other for six
years. Officers encountered high levels of aggression in Lewes, Brighton and
at the stadium. In spite of this their actions were highly effective in ensuring
that disorder was quickly controlled, there was no serious damage, and no
one was seriously hurt. A visiting Senior Football Association representative
at the match was highly impressed by the tolerance and determination
displayed by the officers there. A total of nine persons were arrested, with a
further nine ejected and escorted away by stewards. A post-event
investigation has resulted in at least 15 identified individuals being brought
to account, whether by means of prosecution, Football Banning Orders
(FBOs), or bans imposed by the club.
2.11 FBOs remain a key preventative measure for the Force and provide a
significant influence on ensuring the AMEX remains a safe environment for all
groups to watch professional football. Efforts are now being made to reduce
the level of hatred that exists between the two sets of supporters.
Football Policing in Crawley and Eastbourne
3.1 Crawley Town Football Club (CTFC) gained promotion to the Football League
by winning the Blue Square Bet Premier League in the 2010/2011 season.
This had a major impact for the club, not only in terms of football, but also
the infrastructure and planning requirements of the club to meet the
expectations of the Football League Association.
3.2 One of the biggest challenges for the club and partnership agencies was the
formation of a Safety Advisory Group (SAG). This was quickly assembled so
that all safety factors could be covered and dealt with to meet the Football
League’s strict criteria. The SAG meetings have been highly successful so
far, with the club engaging positively with local partners, and making sure
that all safety issues and concerns are addressed as swiftly as possible. An
information-sharing agreement document is also being agreed within the
partnership to ensure that the secure exchange of current intelligence
becomes routine.
3.3 Another issue which needed to be addressed was the new League table, with
regard to new clubs playing at the Broadfield Stadium and how this could
impact as a result of new supporter risk groups traveling to Crawley. Early
on, the Force sat down with CTFC and mutually agreed which matches posed
the highest challenges in terms of crowd numbers and disorder. The
categorisation of matches was discussed and recorded by both parties, and
at this stage of the season five Category A matches were agreed by the club
and the Force, with the remainder of the matches set as Category C
matches.
3.4 As CTFC had entered the League it was jointly agreed that any policing
inside the footprint of the stadium would be charged to the club at the
national rate and consistent with the agreement established in Brighton and
Hove. This, in turn, has seen an opportunity for cost recovery, raising
monies for other areas of local policing and mitigating the risks to our
communities. For financial reasons, the club had previously been unable to
contribute to any policing costs.
3.5 With a new Safety Officer, further stewards, and newly trained police
spotters deployed at CTFC this season, there has been a decrease in
incidents of disorder within the footprint of the stadium. There have been
only two arrests, with both persons receiving FBOs, and only three ejections
from the stadium, even though gate numbers have dramatically increased.
3.6 Eastbourne Borough Football Club were relegated from the Blue Square Bet
Premier League to the Blue Square Bet Conference South for the 2011/2012
season, after a short spell in the highest non-league division.
3.7 The Conference South is not monitored directly by the UK Football Policing
Unit and our involvement with the club has reduced to periodic local contact.
There is not a requirement for regular policing presence at their matches,
and this is unlikely to change for the rest of this season. Cup competitions
will remain under review in case fixtures require our support.
3.8 So far, the club has experienced a good season in terms of supporter
behaviour, with no incidents reported, and the negative impact on the local
community has been negligible.
Conclusion
4. The Force has been presented with significant policing challenges as a result
of two of the football teams in its counties now playing in the Football League
and The Championship. The effective multi-agency partnerships formed with
those clubs, close police liaison, and an appropriate policing style delivered
by the Force, has ensured that those challenges have been met, and with
positive results. Clubs from other parts of the country now wish to visit,
seeking opportunities for good practice, and the Force will continue to
explore ways for policing operations to evolve.
Recommended – That the report is noted by the Committee.
MARTIN RICHARDS
Chief Constable
Contact: Chief Inspector Simon Nelson
PROTECTIVE SERVICES SCRUTINY COMMITTEE – 16 JANUARY 2012
POLICING OF FOOTBALL IN SUSSEX
REPORT BY CHIEF CONSTABLE
Introduction
1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide the Committee with an overview of
the policing of matches at the American Express (AMEX) Community Stadium
to date, as well as providing a summary of the current picture in Crawley and
Eastbourne.
1.2 The report will also provide an update on the policing strategies used and the
lessons learned to date.
Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club
2.1 Following promotion to The Championship League, Brighton & Hove Albion
(BHAFC) the club moved to the AMEX Stadium and, including ramp-up
games, have now played 12 matches at their new venue.
2.2 With a capacity of 22,500 (visiting capacity of 2,500), compared to 8,000 at
the Withdean Stadium, the potential policing challenge was considerable. An
extension of the neighbourhood policing model, combined with a strong
partnership with the club and other agencies has ensured that any problems
experienced have been minimal.
2.3 Police officer and steward capabilities have grown with each match and a
high level of responsible confidence now exists. Officers deployed at the
stadium have been instrumental in providing suggestions to improve police
operations and the service provided to supporters.
2.4 Brighton & Hove Division is responsible for the planning of Category A and B
matches. Category C, being the highest, is a Force-led operation. These
categories relate to the stadium footprint and separate public order threat
assessments denote the resource requirements for the city and other areas
of Sussex. An average football season may well include 6 Category B
matches and 3 Category Cs. Policed matches usually require between 20 and
50 officers to be deployed at the stadium.
2.5 Community impact monitoring has remained a key consideration for this
football season, with Neighbourhood Policing Officers patrolling the adjacent
communities and those areas likely to experience increased footfall, such as
Lewes. A plan for Lewes District is being prepared which will provide a
scaled response, based on pre-match assessments, and this will allow for a
range of deployments, starting with enhanced licensing activity, patrols by
Neighbourhood Policing Officers, as well as the support of Operation Albion
public order units, if required.
2.6 BHAFC contribute to the policing costs, as per Association of Chief Police
Officers (ACPO) guidelines (Wigan Judgment), and these receipts are used to
ensure that normal neighbourhood business is sustained. Monies also help to
ease the pressures created by the associated public order operations away
from the stadium footprint. Financial support is also provided to other
Divisions asked to assist with the policing operation, in order to minimise the
consequential impact on Sussex communities.
2.7 Most of the attending spectators travel via rail, coach, or make use of one of
the four park-and-ride sites; with around 1,400 people entering the stadium
footprint on foot. An average of 7,000 spectators travel by rail and, through
joint operations with British Transport Police (BTP) and Southern Railway,
Falmer Station operations usually return to normality 35 minutes after the
end of the match.
2.8 The A27 and slip road to Falmer have traditionally presented particular
challenges at peak times during the week, and vehicles often queue back to
the main road from late in the afternoon. Since the opening of the stadium,
and largely in relation to evening matches, the road networks have suffered
significant disruption before and after the matches. Short term measures,
such as police control of the Village Way traffic lights have assisted, but
other solutions need to be put in place. An emergency clearway order has
been granted for that part of the A27 and the club, police, and highways are
committed to seeking prompt solutions to these issues. This is the current
leading area of concern for all parties, with the club remaining fully
committed to resolving this.
2.9 For most match days the average number of steward ejections is four, with
approximately two arrests per game. There have been no associated crime
trends experienced by the surrounding communities.
2.10 The Crystal Palace match presented exceptional challenges, as a
consequence of a bitter rivalry, and after not having played each other for six
years. Officers encountered high levels of aggression in Lewes, Brighton and
at the stadium. In spite of this their actions were highly effective in ensuring
that disorder was quickly controlled, there was no serious damage, and no
one was seriously hurt. A visiting Senior Football Association representative
at the match was highly impressed by the tolerance and determination
displayed by the officers there. A total of nine persons were arrested, with a
further nine ejected and escorted away by stewards. A post-event
investigation has resulted in at least 15 identified individuals being brought
to account, whether by means of prosecution, Football Banning Orders
(FBOs), or bans imposed by the club.
2.11 FBOs remain a key preventative measure for the Force and provide a
significant influence on ensuring the AMEX remains a safe environment for all
groups to watch professional football. Efforts are now being made to reduce
the level of hatred that exists between the two sets of supporters.
Football Policing in Crawley and Eastbourne
3.1 Crawley Town Football Club (CTFC) gained promotion to the Football League
by winning the Blue Square Bet Premier League in the 2010/2011 season.
This had a major impact for the club, not only in terms of football, but also
the infrastructure and planning requirements of the club to meet the
expectations of the Football League Association.
3.2 One of the biggest challenges for the club and partnership agencies was the
formation of a Safety Advisory Group (SAG). This was quickly assembled so
that all safety factors could be covered and dealt with to meet the Football
League’s strict criteria. The SAG meetings have been highly successful so
far, with the club engaging positively with local partners, and making sure
that all safety issues and concerns are addressed as swiftly as possible. An
information-sharing agreement document is also being agreed within the
partnership to ensure that the secure exchange of current intelligence
becomes routine.
3.3 Another issue which needed to be addressed was the new League table, with
regard to new clubs playing at the Broadfield Stadium and how this could
impact as a result of new supporter risk groups traveling to Crawley. Early
on, the Force sat down with CTFC and mutually agreed which matches posed
the highest challenges in terms of crowd numbers and disorder. The
categorisation of matches was discussed and recorded by both parties, and
at this stage of the season five Category A matches were agreed by the club
and the Force, with the remainder of the matches set as Category C
matches.
3.4 As CTFC had entered the League it was jointly agreed that any policing
inside the footprint of the stadium would be charged to the club at the
national rate and consistent with the agreement established in Brighton and
Hove. This, in turn, has seen an opportunity for cost recovery, raising
monies for other areas of local policing and mitigating the risks to our
communities. For financial reasons, the club had previously been unable to
contribute to any policing costs.
3.5 With a new Safety Officer, further stewards, and newly trained police
spotters deployed at CTFC this season, there has been a decrease in
incidents of disorder within the footprint of the stadium. There have been
only two arrests, with both persons receiving FBOs, and only three ejections
from the stadium, even though gate numbers have dramatically increased.
3.6 Eastbourne Borough Football Club were relegated from the Blue Square Bet
Premier League to the Blue Square Bet Conference South for the 2011/2012
season, after a short spell in the highest non-league division.
3.7 The Conference South is not monitored directly by the UK Football Policing
Unit and our involvement with the club has reduced to periodic local contact.
There is not a requirement for regular policing presence at their matches,
and this is unlikely to change for the rest of this season. Cup competitions
will remain under review in case fixtures require our support.
3.8 So far, the club has experienced a good season in terms of supporter
behaviour, with no incidents reported, and the negative impact on the local
community has been negligible.
Conclusion
4. The Force has been presented with significant policing challenges as a result
of two of the football teams in its counties now playing in the Football League
and The Championship. The effective multi-agency partnerships formed with
those clubs, close police liaison, and an appropriate policing style delivered
by the Force, has ensured that those challenges have been met, and with
positive results. Clubs from other parts of the country now wish to visit,
seeking opportunities for good practice, and the Force will continue to
explore ways for policing operations to evolve.
Recommended – That the report is noted by the Committee.
MARTIN RICHARDS
Chief Constable
Contact: Chief Inspector Simon Nelson
