- Up to October 2013
- PCC witnesses arrest (2 Oct 2013)
- Community Safety Fund Extended (4 Oct 2013)
- PCC Statement on Conviction of Amanda Hutton (4 Oct 2013)
- Commissioner Calls For Local Powers To Ban Demonstrations (14 Oct 2013)
- PCC Letter To Supporters - Review Of Policing Arrangements - Hull vs Huddersfield Match (17 Oct 2013)
PCC Letter To Supporters - Review Of Policing Arrangements - Hull vs Huddersfield Match (17 Oct 2013)
I am writing to update you on the progress made by the Chief
Constable at my request to look into the understandable concerns
and complaints raised with regards the process that led to the
change of kick off time, and importantly West Yorkshire Police's
arrangements for the management of those attending the match
between Huddersfield Town and Hull City on 30 March 2013.
With a clear need to make sure this situation does not occur again
West Yorkshire's Chief Constable Mark Gilmore approached the Chief
Constable of Northumbria to ask for a peer review of the policing
arrangements for the match to be undertaken. This review has been
completed by Northumbria Police's Deputy Chief Constable Steve
Ashman and I wanted to advise you that I am now reassured with the
key recommendations set out within the report following a
conversation with Mark Gilmore earlier this week.
The recommendations are, in my view, comprehensive and capture the
failings made at the time, but importantly set out clearly what
lessons need to be learnt from the experience and how similar
situations can be avoided in the future. These recommendations when
adopted should set a new standard in making the appropriate
arrangements for the policing of football matches to make sure
people and visitors in West Yorkshire are safer and feel safer.
The recommendations made that I believe will be of most interest in meeting your concerns are as follows:
- West Yorkshire Police review their policy on policing football and major events. In particular strong consideration should be given to the early referral to the SAG. Of all issues of dispute between West Yorkshire Police and football clubs/event organisers
- West Yorkshire Police urgently address the public concern this event has generated through a transparent explanation of events and a clear outline of changes that will be implemented
- Operational risks that are identified should be presented to the Community Outcomes forum (bi-weekly meeting between the CC and the PCC
I have asked the Chief Constable to make this review available and I understand it will be published on the West Yorkshire Police website on Fri 18 October.
I will be seeking confirmation from the Chief Constable that the appropriate lessons have been learnt and that these recommendations and changes will be implemented across West Yorkshire Police Service with immediate effect. I hope that this update has been helpful but if you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].
Mark