UK Riots: Policing Response to Southport Disorder, 10pm uk time
The report's key findings highlight the importance of improving police capabilities in monitoring and responding to social media, as well as addressing gaps in intelligence linked to social media and the dark web, in order to prevent the spread of disorder and ensure public safety.
A report by the Home Affairs Committee has found that police forces were unprepared for the level of violence that broke out in riots following the murder of three children in Southport last summer, leaving officers exposed to significant risk.
The disorder, which saw attacks on hotels housing asylum seekers and mosques, resulted in 1,804 arrests and 1,072 charges issued as of January 22. The report commended the bravery and professionalism of officers, who worked tirelessly to respond to the violence and criminality. However, it noted that the policing response was hindered by the inability of forces to act proactively, due to the rapid spread of misinformation online.
The report rejected claims of "two-tier policing", finding no evidence to support accusations that certain groups were policed more rigorously due to their political views. Instead, it found that the police response was "entirely appropriate" given the violence and criminality, with officers facing attacks and arson. The committee chair, Dame, described the accusations as "disgraceful" and stated that the police response was justified.
The report highlighted the need for the police to improve their ability to monitor and respond to social media at a national level, and to address the gaps in intelligence linked to social media and the dark web. It also recommended a review of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 to consider whether there should be contempt of court liability for those who risk prejudicing a criminal trial by releasing information in the interests of public safety or national security.
The committee called for the Government to release funding to forces to cover costs from the disorder, which totalled over £28 million, and to focus on a strategy for retaining police officers. The report's findings and recommendations aim to improve the policing response to future disorders and ensure that officers are better equipped to handle the challenges posed by social media and online misinformation.