Public Disorder
Full account has been taken in this assessment of the experiences of other areas of the country regarding the impact of public disorder situations.
Managing major incidents
The following gives details of sections, within West Midlands Police, that may be involved in managing a major incident.
Gold Control
Gold Control is a purpose-built command suite used during major or large incidents, emergencies and exercises. It is equipped with:
- A state-of-the-art computer system which links up with terminals throughout the force area and nationally
- Dedicated radio channels for use at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre
- Dedicated radio channels for use at football stadiums
- Heli-Teli receivers (a video recording facility which beams live pictures, via the force helicopter from the scene of an incident)
- Television and video facilities.
In conjunction with the Incident Information Centre, Gold Control:
- Allows the overall incident commander to draw up a strategy for dealing with a major incident or event
- Acts as a logistics centre and advisor for major incidents
- Acts as a central liaison point for other agencies
- Liaises with representatives from the fire service, ambulance service and local authority
Air Ops
Air Operations (Air Ops) takes part in maintaining public order and are often present at major events.
Find out more from the Air Ops website.
Force Communications Centre (FCC)
Both police and support staff work from the Force Communications Centre - the ‘nerve centre’ of the organisation. The FCC recieves all ‘999‘ calls made in the West Midlands area. The Communications Centre can:
- Control and co-ordinate traffic vehicles and other force units
- Deploy the Armed Response Vehicles to firearms incidents
- Use the helicopter to oversee incidents using Heli-Teli
- Arrange for large numbers of officers to be mobilised
- Provide mobile communications at the scene of major incidents or pre-planned operations
- Arrange for major items of equipment to be deployed (eg, the mobile communications coach)
Central Motorway Policing Group (CMPG) and the Motorway Major Incident Plan
Central Motorway Policing Group manages the Midland Motorway Network - covering the police force areas of West Midlands, West Mercia and Staffordshire Police.
The traffic density is such that, with little or no warning, given a major collision or incident, serious disruption to traffic throughout the entire country could occur. This requires the special mobilisation, organisation and co-ordination of emergency services and other organisations.
The intention is to take control of the situation and restore order as soon as possible. As in all major incidents, the police role is to control, co-ordinate and then investigate. The Fire and Rescue Services will tackle fire and commence rescue, whilst the Ambulance and Medical Services will treat and evacuate casualties.
The Motorway Major Incident Plan is designed solely for those major incidents within the area covered by CMPG, but does relate to the plans held by adjoining forces
Firearms
This is a full-time unit of firearms instructors and officers, providing a 24-hour service, dedicated to dealing with incidents involving firearms. The unit is responsible for providing:
- An armed response to all pre-planned and spontaneous firearms incidents
- Dedicated tactical advisors
- An armed response at Birmingham International Airport
- Protection for VIPs or premises
- Specialised methods of entry into premises
- All firearms training, lectures and administration
- Maintenance and security for all weapons and ammunition used in the force
Operational Planning
This is a dedicated unit of officers and support staff responsible for managing major or special events.
The unit also deals with planning events which cross local and force boundaries, royal visits, large-scale mobilisation of officers and maintaining contingency plans.
Operational Support Unit (OSU)
This department consists of officers with a wide range of specialist skills and is specifically formed to support operational officers. Each unit is made up of a number of serials, each comprising a sergeant and seven constables.
The main role of the OSU is to provide a reserve of officers to respond quickly at times of public disorder.
The unit also has specialist training in searching crime scenes, house-to-house enquiries and helping police pre-planned events.
Public protests
Local Example
All areas.
Local Impact
Nationally coordinated protest that could generate nation-wide panic buying
Further Information
Prison disturbance
Local Example
Winson Green Prison
Local Impact
Structural damage.
Further Information
Disorder at a public event
Local Example
Local public/sporting event
Local Impact
Potential disruption to transport and business, potential impact on emergency services resources.