Public order and public safety guidance – have your say

We’re seeking feedback on updated guidance we’ve produced for policing events and protests.

The changes affect the authorised professional practice (APP) on public order and public safety (POPS).

Our APP provides guidance for all within policing who are involved in the planning and policing of events like festivals, sporting events, protests and disorder. 

What's changed?

Earlier this year we published information on changes to legislation for policing protests, planned and unplanned events to support police forces across England and Wales to understand new powers and offences in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act (2022).

We’ve now also produced updated APP, which includes information on: 

• roles and responsibilities of public order commanders
• planning and deployment of resources and tactics at protests and events
• legislation and policing powers, for example, human rights, use of force and obstruction of highways
• national training standards and public order career development opportunities

This APP will support police officers when planning and executing the operational response to policing protests, planned and spontaneous activity, and in responding to criminal activism.

Have your say

Our consultation opens on Thursday 22 December 2022 and closes on Thursday 16 February 2023.

We invite feedback on the updated APP from all ranks, grades and roles across policing, and from members of the public.

Please note 

Although many aspects of this APP and associated links are publicly accessible, some areas are restricted. This is due to GDPR requirements and/or the sensitivity of the information. Links to those specific sections will be restricted only to police forces and government agencies.

To have your say, read the consultation document, then complete the online questionnaire by Thursday 16 February 2023.