We have all seen the shocking violence and disorder which broke out across the country following the tragic deaths of three girls in Southport.
False and deliberate disinformation circulating across social media was a key factor in driving the unrest which saw officers attacked but also significant damage to community hubs and services. A Food Bank, Public Library, Citizens Advice Bureau, multiple Mosques and hotels, while shops and businesses and retail stores were also looted. There was even a report of a vicar standing in his graveyard preventing gravestones being smashed to be used as missiles.
Thankfully, things seemed to have calmed over recent days, and we were fortunate that the violent scenes witnessed elsewhere in the country did not materialise in Bedfordshire, and. Much of that is down to the strong relationships and community we have here, but it would be naïve to assume we will not have similar issues in the future.
As community and faith leaders in our county, you have considerable influence and the words you share have authority. It is important, therefore, that continue to all play our part in these difficult times and be prepared for if something were to occur here.
We know, for example, that some will be tempted to go to areas where such disturbances are taking place to oppose the perpetrators. Please try to use your influence to ask people to step back – not to go to an area where a disturbance is taking place and not put themselves at risk. This way our police can be more in focusing on the perpetrators. Policing is prepared and there are many officers who have trained for the situations they might face.
We know our communities will have concerns around what is happening across the country which is why I have included some keys messages below should you be approached by members of the communities you are connected with, to help you to provide an accurate narrative and offer some reassurance.
Although it is uncertain what the coming days and weeks will bring, there is a coordinated policing response taking place, and be reassured that policing is monitoring the situations closely and have proportionate policing plans in place should we need to implement them.
As Community and Faith leaders we can:
>Be conduits of relationship and communication between policing and the communities that we are connected with.
>Ensure that we are a calming influence and provide appropriate guidance to our communities and groups.
Below is a list of messages that have been prepared by a chief police officer and can be use publicly if asked about the disorder:
Business is as usual policing remains ongoing and as always, the top priority is public safety.
As you would expect, officers are on standby and preparing in case of disorder locally.
We will be ready to support our policing colleagues regionally and nationally.
Police Officers will not stand by while mindless violence is carried out and community hubs destroyed. Arrests will be made either immediately or retrospectively and intelligence teams are working round the clock to identify those involved.
A lot of the trouble which has been reported and dealt with comes from low level criminals and to some extent youths, intent on violence and disorder, rather than individuals with a particular political view.
Policing has the full support of criminal justice partners and anyone involved will be met with the full force of the law.
Nationally policing are working together to bolster resourcing and ensure forces are equipped and ready.
People have turned up to carry out violence and act out their frustration and anger as a direct result of having read fake news and disinformation online.
There are a number of high-profile accounts who are responsible for sharing this information and forces are working hard to counteract this, shut down rumours and prevent further discord.
Policing is working with partners and calling on social media companies to do more.
These are not coordinated protests – they are angry, disenfranchised people reacting to fake news.
Tensions are high and it is OK to have different views to someone else as long as you are respectful.
Please think twice about what you read, share and believe from online sources. There are a lot of motivations for why people may be sharing information so be critical and if in doubt, look to trusted voices, your police force local Community leaders, faith leaders, councillors, or official news sources.
Finally, THANK YOU
I massively appreciate what your Community and Faith teams are doing as you support the local policing teams and please take care of yourselves too.”
Kind regards
PC Ommer KHAN 5017
Community Cohesion
Luton Police Station
Buxton Road, Luton LU1 1SD
Mobile: 07738119008
Landline – 01582 394268
Email: ommer.khan@beds.police.uk