Operational partnerships - Public Order policy (O04)

1. Summary of changes

1.1. This policy has been reviewed in August 2023 - no amendments to content made. 

2. What this policy is about

2.1 This policy will explain how Kent Police will deliver the requirements of the strategic policing requirement as it relates to public order policing.

Compliance with this policy and any linked procedures is mandatory.

3. Statement of policy

3.1. In order to protect the public from serious harm, whilst policing within the legal framework of the Human Rights Act, Kent Police will meet the requirements of both the strategic and national policing requirements.

3.2. All operational deployments will be conducted in accordance with the requirements contained within the Authorised Professional Practice for Public Order (APP - Public Order).

3.3. Where those operational deployments are a standing public order operational response, relevant information will be available to all officers and staff, who can access the documents through the force intranet on the Teams - Force Control Room (FCR) - Pages - search for the operation name or subject. Operations currently displayed on that page are:

• raves and unlicensed music events (UME) - Op Bear
• hunting - foxes and other mammals - Op York
• live animal export - Op Wizard 

3.4. The Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 places a duty upon specified authorities (which includes the police) to ensure that their functions are discharged having due regard to the need to prevent people being drawn into terrorism. The contact which all officers and staff have with members of the public provides them with opportunities to identify concerns and trigger the appropriate prevent response to ensure their protection. It is essential that officers and staff understand the issues of radicalisation, are able to identify why people may be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism as a consequence of it and how to obtain support for people who may be being exploited by radicalising influences (details are contained within the prevent duty and the channel duty). This policy has been reviewed and assessed that the CTSA duties could be relevant.

4. Implications of the policy

4.1. Finance/staffing/training/other

4.1.1. Financial implications relate to the issue and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE), suitable vehicles and other equipment necessary to carry out the different policing roles.

Initial and refresher training will be conducted in accordance with the National Police Public Order training curriculum.

4.1.2 Initial and refresher training will be conducted in accordance with the National Police Public Order training curriculum.

4.1.3 Method of Entry training will be taught at three distinct levels; officers are aware that the extent of their training does have a limiting effect on the nature of tasks they can undertake in this regard. This will help to ensure the safety of all persons in the immediate vicinity.

4.2. Risk assessment

4.2.1. This policy has been assessed as low risk.

4.3. Equality Impact Assessment (EIA)

4.3.1. An EIA has been carried out and there could be an impact would be on physical disability. Specifically, this relates to the requirement for officers to pass the national job related fitness test at level 6.3, to use equipment during operations and to complete realistic training, all of which require an individual to have a high degree of mobility and a reasonable degree of physical strength. Some reasonable adjustments can be made to this requirement (for example, there is an alternative Chester Treadmill walking test for officers required to attain level 6.3.

5. Consultation

• Force Public Order Board
• Public Order Tactical Trainer Forum
• Human Resources
• IT Security
• Finance
• Estates
• Health and Safety
• Equality and Diversity
• Legal
• Freedom of Information

6. Monitoring and review

6.1. This policy will be reviewed every two years by the author, with any changes being approved by the policy owner, to ensure that it remains accurate and continues to comply with legislation and national guidance.

7. Other source documents

None listed.

8. Security

8.1. Kent Police have measures in place to protect the security of your data in accordance with our Information Management policy and in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulations.

9. Retention and disposal of records

9.1. Kent Police will hold data in accordance with our Records Review, Retention and Disposal policy.