Merseyside Police have outlined a comprehensive security operation for the upcoming Labour Party Conference at ACC Liverpool. The event, scheduled from Sunday, 28 September to Wednesday, 1 October, is expected to draw more than 20,000 attendees to the city, prompting a significant and visible police presence.
Officials have confirmed that the multi-agency plan has been in development for several months, involving collaboration with the venue, Liverpool City Council, and transport partners to ensure the safety of delegates, residents, and visitors.
Key Takeaways
- A major policing operation is in place for the Labour Party Conference at ACC Liverpool.
- Over 20,000 delegates and visitors are expected in the city for the four-day event.
- Specialist tactics, including Project Servator and armed patrols, will be deployed.
- Police are reassuring the public that the increased presence is standard for large-scale events.
- Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Extensive Multi-Agency Preparations
The security strategy for the high-profile conference is the result of months of detailed planning. Merseyside Police have been working in close partnership with a range of organisations to create a secure environment for the event. Key collaborators include the event organisers at ACC Liverpool, Liverpool City Council, and various partners across the transport, hospitality, and government sectors.
Chief Inspector Iain Wyke, responsible for Force Operations Protective Security at Merseyside Police, highlighted the force's experience in managing major events. He explained that the operation is designed to ensure the conference runs smoothly while maintaining effective police services across the wider Merseyside area.
“Drawing on our experience in managing large-scale events, we have planned thoroughly for the conference, working closely alongside event organisers and security providers at ACC Liverpool; Liverpool City Council; and other partners,” said Chief Inspector Wyke.
Faye Dyer, CEO of The ACC Liverpool Group, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the venue's commitment to safety.
“Ensuring the safety and security of everyone attending is always our top priority, and we have worked in close partnership with Merseyside Police and our city partners over many months to deliver a safe and successful event,” she stated.
Specialist Policing Tactics to be Deployed
As part of the security measures, the public can expect to see various specialist police units in and around the conference venue. These tactics are intended to disrupt potential criminal activity and provide a reassuring presence for the public.
Project Servator
A key component of the operation is Project Servator. This tactic involves both uniformed and plain-clothes officers who are specially trained to identify individuals who may be planning or preparing to commit a crime. These officers are skilled in spotting subtle, tell-tale signs of suspicious intent.
According to Chief Inspector Wyke, Project Servator teams have already been active in the area, engaging with staff at ACC Liverpool and nearby businesses. This proactive approach aims to build a network of vigilant people who can act as extra eyes and ears for the police.
“If you do notice this enhanced police and security presence or a Project Servator deployment, there's nothing to worry about. Feel free to talk to officers. They will be happy to explain what they are doing and how you can help keep people safe,” he added.
What is Project Servator?
- A policing tactic designed to disrupt a range of criminal activity, from theft to terrorism.
- Uses unpredictable deployments of specially trained officers.
- Involves both highly visible and plain-clothes police patrols.
- Focuses on engaging with the public and businesses to encourage vigilance and reporting.
Visible Security Presence
In addition to Project Servator, the public will notice other specialist resources. These include armed officers conducting foot patrols and the police Marine Unit operating on the River Mersey and in the surrounding dock areas.
Merseyside Police have stressed that this level of security is consistent with national policing standards for large-scale events and should not be a cause for public concern. The visible presence is a standard precautionary measure to ensure a high level of security.
National Standards for Major Events
Policing major political conferences and other large gatherings in the UK involves a standardised approach to security. This often includes a combination of visible deterrents like armed police, covert surveillance, and public engagement campaigns. The goal is to create a secure environment that deters criminal activity while minimising disruption to the public.
A Call for Public Vigilance
While a robust security plan is in place, police officials are also calling on the public to play an active role in maintaining safety. Residents, visitors, and conference attendees are encouraged to trust their instincts and report anything that seems unusual or out of place.
Chief Inspector Wyke emphasised the importance of community involvement in the security effort. He reassured the public that no report is considered a waste of time and that every piece of information will be assessed by officers.
“You all have vital roles to play in keeping our community safe. Be assured that you will not be wasting our time, and no mouse click or phone call will be ignored, so trust your instincts and we will do the rest,” he concluded.
How to Report Suspicious Activity
Authorities have provided clear guidance on how to report concerns:
- Report it immediately to the nearest police officer or a member of event staff.
- Call the non-emergency police number on 101.
- To make an anonymous report, visit the government's Action Counters Terrorism website at gov.uk/ACT.
- In an emergency, always call 999.
The collaborative effort between the police, event organisers, and the public is aimed at ensuring the Labour Party Conference is a safe and successful event for Liverpool.