MAYDAY - Police View
Pigwatch | 25.04.2002 08:41
MAY DAY 2002 (Wednesday 1 May)
Scotland Yard briefing 16/4/02
What can be expected?
ÿ Wednesday 1 May 2002
ÿ Normal working day
ÿ Variety of ‘actions’ throughout the day
Pacifists and activists expected in large numbers (5,000 to 10,000 expected). Protesters will be predominantly law-abiding, but a group of about 500-1,000 will be intent on causing damage (this is known to intelligence). Potential for passive e.g. sitting in the road to block it, as well as more violent protest. Hard core will drink and take drugs.
Starting at 7.30am. The first advertised central London meeting point is at 10.00am at the American Embassy and going through the day to the final known action at 5.00pm. The Police believe the protesters have chosen a normal working day as they have expressed a desire to disrupt the activities of those going about their normal business.
Their stated purpose is to protest against the ‘Capitalist System’. Last year (2001) they did exactly what they stated on their website and in the few discussions with Police. However, the Police stress that people should not be complacent.
How?
ÿ By attempting to bring the centre of London to a standstill
ÿ By a series of protests at various locations
ÿ Disrupting business and other activities of a normal working day
ÿ Attracting publicity
What?
ÿ Their undefined purpose is to protest against the ‘Capitalist System’ by taking part in a number of different ‘themed’ protests:
ÿ A travelling circus and fancy dress parade
ÿ A ‘Wake for Capitalism’
ÿ A ‘Carniball’ based on a mediaeval game of football
ÿ A mass cycle ride
ÿ Other smaller protests and marches
ÿ A TUC march
ÿ Mass Action “May Day in Mayfair, named after the old May Fair (which was terminated due to disorder!)
Where?
The centre of London – Mayfair is being particularly targeted this year - and its environs, which will probably include Westminster and Whitehall
There will be a protest by Animal Rights Activists outside Hockley in Conduit Street at 12 noon.
Policing of the event is intelligence-led and has been running for several months. The Police will have many extra officers on duty. Officers will be appointed to key roles. It will involve a joint operation between the Met. Police, City of London and British Transport Police.
Strategic Objectives of the Metropolitan Police Service and City of London Police and British Transport Police
ÿ Provide public reassurance and ensure public safety
ÿ To facilitate and police all legitimate protest
ÿ Prevent public disorder
ÿ Prevent crime and take all reasonable steps to apprehend offenders if crime is committed
ÿ Provide high visibility and appropriate policing
ÿ Promote safe passage of persons using the railway
ÿ Minimise disruption to business and community life in the area
ÿ Minimise disruption to vehicular and pedestrian traffic
ÿ Westminster City Council will remove all refuse bins and everything that is not nailed down
MAY DAY 2002 - BASIC CRIME PREVENTION MEASURES
1) Ensure that all staff are made aware of the possibility of some form of action against your venue. It is important not to panic staff, but it is important that they understand their responsibilities should an emergency situation arise.
2) Lines of communication should be clear. If a suspicious incident is spotted, it should be clear how this is to be reported and the action that will follow.
IF YOU ARE THE VICTIM OF A PROTEST OR DISORDER PLEASE ENSURE THAT THE POLICE ARE CONTACTED IMMEDIATELY ON 999.
3) Take the time now to review any evacuation procedures that are in place. This may prove invaluable if your building has to be evacuated in an emergency. Work out how best to evacuate if demonstrators are outside your building.
4) If you usually operate an open door policy, then consider changing this to ensure that people cannot just walk into the building from the street. It is important to understand that any action taken must not breach the fire regulations. Advice on fire safety and regulations can be obtained in the usual way.
5) Consideration should be given to increasing the number of security staff on duty during this period. If possible, try to ensure that there is a security presence around all the entrances and exits of the building.
6) Try to limit the amount of visitors to the premises by rescheduling any appointments made for this day. If this is not possible, then ensure that all visitors are met at the door and their identity verified. DO NOT JUST BUZZ PEOPLE IN THROUGH THE DOOR. Consider issuing identity passes to visitors.
7) In the case of multi-occupancy buildings, if it is not possible to secure the main communal street doors, they ensure that the entrance to your venue is secure, and that all the above points are considered.
8) Fire exit doors should be closed. You must ensure that they are not left open at any time. Fire exit doors should only be opened in an emergency; they should not be used as a convenient route to the street.
9) Make sure that all windows are closed and secure. Consider the use of safety film or tape if you consider windows vulnerable to attack. Assess your rooftop vulnerability and ensure all windows and doors leading to this area are secure.
10) Review your CCTV system. Are all the cameras working? Are they positioned correctly? How old are the videotapes?
IF YOU CANNOT IDENTIFY AN IMAGE ON YOUR CCTV SYSTEM, THEN NEITHER CAN THE POLICE.
11) You should prepare a post-event strategy. The building may need to be cleaned or repaired should the worst
happen. Consider stocking cleaning materials in case of such things as paint attacks agains the building. Ensure
that, at the close of business, a locking up procedure is in place to secure your premises overnight.
12) Ensure that your alarm system is working correctly and make sure that your keyholders’ details are up to date.
13) Prior to the event, please make sure that no rubbish is left outside your premises, as this can be an ideal source of
ready-made missiles. This is especially so if glass bottles etc. are contained within the rubbish bags.
14) If you control any building skips which are in the vicinity of your premises, then arrangements should be made to
have these removed prior to May Day.
15) Whilst there is no suggestion that the current terrorist threat from dissident Republican groups will increase on, or
around, May Day, all your staff should continue to maintain a high degree of vigilance and report anything suspicious
immediately.
The salient points for Members to observe are covered in 1-15 above. Additional points made by the Police at the briefing are as follows:
ÿ If possible have permanent manning of CCTV monitors
ÿ Shops should have boards ready and available to cover windows if broken – remember that window repair companies are likely to be very over-stretched
ÿ Check premises internally, very carefully, before closing up
ÿ Make sure that panic alarm systems are working – consult your security company – do not just test by pressing the buttons!
ÿ Remove valuable/fragile items from foyers/lobbies accessible from the street – particularly applies to hotels and restaurants and multi-occupancy buildings with entry lobbies
ÿ Remove flags/banners that can be reached from street level
ÿ From now on, carefully check all incoming e-mails for viruses – do not open e-mails prior to the event from persons unknown to you
ÿ Staff should be told to dress down for the day
ÿ Do not make a show of affluence in the street, carry laptops, wear jewellery etc.
ÿ Do not bring expensive cars to work
ÿ Have a radio/television on the premises to keep up to date on the progress of the activity
ÿ Information is subject to rumour – don’t necessarily believe everything you hear or read. Disinformation may be given as part of the planning by the protestors
ÿ Police are expecting possible disruption to transport and retail businesses
CONTINUITY PLANNING
ÿ Appoint a security co-ordinator
ÿ Brief your key people
ÿ Ensure they know their responsibilities
ÿ Are contingency plans up to date?
ÿ Have a team in place to deal with any emergency
GENERAL
ÿ If the police have any prior information that your business is suspected of being a specific target you will have been, or will be, informed by your local Crime Prevention Officer.
ÿ Transport will be targeted for maximum disruption
ÿ The Police say that, currently, they do not plan to close any streets or tube stations.
BOARDING UP
Last year a number of retail premises boarded up the night before 1 May. The question was asked of the Police at the briefing “Should shops board up?”. The Police response was that it was up to the individual retailers to assess their own situation and make the decision for themselves, and this also has to be the Association’s advice. We cannot recommend one way or the other. The same applies to whether or not shops should close or remain open on the day.
POINTS OF CONTACT
a) TO CONTACT THE POLICE, IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY ON THE DAY, USE 999 – do not contact your local station direct – policing is to be co-ordinated centrally
b) USE CRIMESTOPPERS NUMBER 0800 555 111 to get confidential information
c) POLICE INFORMATION CENTRE NUMBER is 020 7593 7851
d) METROPOLITAN POLICE WEBSITE (will be constantly up-dated – Police are trying to get their website up-dated constantly on the day to enable people to log on and find out where the demonstrators are moving to as they move around very quickly) www.met.police.uk/publicorder/index.htm
e) WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCIL INTERNET SITE www.westminster.go.uk/yourcouncil/crimeprevention. On the Westminster site there is a place to leave your e-mail address and postcode and they will then keep you up-dated on any new developments in your area.
Scotland Yard briefing 16/4/02
What can be expected?
ÿ Wednesday 1 May 2002
ÿ Normal working day
ÿ Variety of ‘actions’ throughout the day
Pacifists and activists expected in large numbers (5,000 to 10,000 expected). Protesters will be predominantly law-abiding, but a group of about 500-1,000 will be intent on causing damage (this is known to intelligence). Potential for passive e.g. sitting in the road to block it, as well as more violent protest. Hard core will drink and take drugs.
Starting at 7.30am. The first advertised central London meeting point is at 10.00am at the American Embassy and going through the day to the final known action at 5.00pm. The Police believe the protesters have chosen a normal working day as they have expressed a desire to disrupt the activities of those going about their normal business.
Their stated purpose is to protest against the ‘Capitalist System’. Last year (2001) they did exactly what they stated on their website and in the few discussions with Police. However, the Police stress that people should not be complacent.
How?
ÿ By attempting to bring the centre of London to a standstill
ÿ By a series of protests at various locations
ÿ Disrupting business and other activities of a normal working day
ÿ Attracting publicity
What?
ÿ Their undefined purpose is to protest against the ‘Capitalist System’ by taking part in a number of different ‘themed’ protests:
ÿ A travelling circus and fancy dress parade
ÿ A ‘Wake for Capitalism’
ÿ A ‘Carniball’ based on a mediaeval game of football
ÿ A mass cycle ride
ÿ Other smaller protests and marches
ÿ A TUC march
ÿ Mass Action “May Day in Mayfair, named after the old May Fair (which was terminated due to disorder!)
Where?
The centre of London – Mayfair is being particularly targeted this year - and its environs, which will probably include Westminster and Whitehall
There will be a protest by Animal Rights Activists outside Hockley in Conduit Street at 12 noon.
Policing of the event is intelligence-led and has been running for several months. The Police will have many extra officers on duty. Officers will be appointed to key roles. It will involve a joint operation between the Met. Police, City of London and British Transport Police.
Strategic Objectives of the Metropolitan Police Service and City of London Police and British Transport Police
ÿ Provide public reassurance and ensure public safety
ÿ To facilitate and police all legitimate protest
ÿ Prevent public disorder
ÿ Prevent crime and take all reasonable steps to apprehend offenders if crime is committed
ÿ Provide high visibility and appropriate policing
ÿ Promote safe passage of persons using the railway
ÿ Minimise disruption to business and community life in the area
ÿ Minimise disruption to vehicular and pedestrian traffic
ÿ Westminster City Council will remove all refuse bins and everything that is not nailed down
MAY DAY 2002 - BASIC CRIME PREVENTION MEASURES
1) Ensure that all staff are made aware of the possibility of some form of action against your venue. It is important not to panic staff, but it is important that they understand their responsibilities should an emergency situation arise.
2) Lines of communication should be clear. If a suspicious incident is spotted, it should be clear how this is to be reported and the action that will follow.
IF YOU ARE THE VICTIM OF A PROTEST OR DISORDER PLEASE ENSURE THAT THE POLICE ARE CONTACTED IMMEDIATELY ON 999.
3) Take the time now to review any evacuation procedures that are in place. This may prove invaluable if your building has to be evacuated in an emergency. Work out how best to evacuate if demonstrators are outside your building.
4) If you usually operate an open door policy, then consider changing this to ensure that people cannot just walk into the building from the street. It is important to understand that any action taken must not breach the fire regulations. Advice on fire safety and regulations can be obtained in the usual way.
5) Consideration should be given to increasing the number of security staff on duty during this period. If possible, try to ensure that there is a security presence around all the entrances and exits of the building.
6) Try to limit the amount of visitors to the premises by rescheduling any appointments made for this day. If this is not possible, then ensure that all visitors are met at the door and their identity verified. DO NOT JUST BUZZ PEOPLE IN THROUGH THE DOOR. Consider issuing identity passes to visitors.
7) In the case of multi-occupancy buildings, if it is not possible to secure the main communal street doors, they ensure that the entrance to your venue is secure, and that all the above points are considered.
8) Fire exit doors should be closed. You must ensure that they are not left open at any time. Fire exit doors should only be opened in an emergency; they should not be used as a convenient route to the street.
9) Make sure that all windows are closed and secure. Consider the use of safety film or tape if you consider windows vulnerable to attack. Assess your rooftop vulnerability and ensure all windows and doors leading to this area are secure.
10) Review your CCTV system. Are all the cameras working? Are they positioned correctly? How old are the videotapes?
IF YOU CANNOT IDENTIFY AN IMAGE ON YOUR CCTV SYSTEM, THEN NEITHER CAN THE POLICE.
11) You should prepare a post-event strategy. The building may need to be cleaned or repaired should the worst
happen. Consider stocking cleaning materials in case of such things as paint attacks agains the building. Ensure
that, at the close of business, a locking up procedure is in place to secure your premises overnight.
12) Ensure that your alarm system is working correctly and make sure that your keyholders’ details are up to date.
13) Prior to the event, please make sure that no rubbish is left outside your premises, as this can be an ideal source of
ready-made missiles. This is especially so if glass bottles etc. are contained within the rubbish bags.
14) If you control any building skips which are in the vicinity of your premises, then arrangements should be made to
have these removed prior to May Day.
15) Whilst there is no suggestion that the current terrorist threat from dissident Republican groups will increase on, or
around, May Day, all your staff should continue to maintain a high degree of vigilance and report anything suspicious
immediately.
The salient points for Members to observe are covered in 1-15 above. Additional points made by the Police at the briefing are as follows:
ÿ If possible have permanent manning of CCTV monitors
ÿ Shops should have boards ready and available to cover windows if broken – remember that window repair companies are likely to be very over-stretched
ÿ Check premises internally, very carefully, before closing up
ÿ Make sure that panic alarm systems are working – consult your security company – do not just test by pressing the buttons!
ÿ Remove valuable/fragile items from foyers/lobbies accessible from the street – particularly applies to hotels and restaurants and multi-occupancy buildings with entry lobbies
ÿ Remove flags/banners that can be reached from street level
ÿ From now on, carefully check all incoming e-mails for viruses – do not open e-mails prior to the event from persons unknown to you
ÿ Staff should be told to dress down for the day
ÿ Do not make a show of affluence in the street, carry laptops, wear jewellery etc.
ÿ Do not bring expensive cars to work
ÿ Have a radio/television on the premises to keep up to date on the progress of the activity
ÿ Information is subject to rumour – don’t necessarily believe everything you hear or read. Disinformation may be given as part of the planning by the protestors
ÿ Police are expecting possible disruption to transport and retail businesses
CONTINUITY PLANNING
ÿ Appoint a security co-ordinator
ÿ Brief your key people
ÿ Ensure they know their responsibilities
ÿ Are contingency plans up to date?
ÿ Have a team in place to deal with any emergency
GENERAL
ÿ If the police have any prior information that your business is suspected of being a specific target you will have been, or will be, informed by your local Crime Prevention Officer.
ÿ Transport will be targeted for maximum disruption
ÿ The Police say that, currently, they do not plan to close any streets or tube stations.
BOARDING UP
Last year a number of retail premises boarded up the night before 1 May. The question was asked of the Police at the briefing “Should shops board up?”. The Police response was that it was up to the individual retailers to assess their own situation and make the decision for themselves, and this also has to be the Association’s advice. We cannot recommend one way or the other. The same applies to whether or not shops should close or remain open on the day.
POINTS OF CONTACT
a) TO CONTACT THE POLICE, IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY ON THE DAY, USE 999 – do not contact your local station direct – policing is to be co-ordinated centrally
b) USE CRIMESTOPPERS NUMBER 0800 555 111 to get confidential information
c) POLICE INFORMATION CENTRE NUMBER is 020 7593 7851
d) METROPOLITAN POLICE WEBSITE (will be constantly up-dated – Police are trying to get their website up-dated constantly on the day to enable people to log on and find out where the demonstrators are moving to as they move around very quickly) www.met.police.uk/publicorder/index.htm
e) WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCIL INTERNET SITE www.westminster.go.uk/yourcouncil/crimeprevention. On the Westminster site there is a place to leave your e-mail address and postcode and they will then keep you up-dated on any new developments in your area.
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