Message of thanks after protests enabled safely and legally in Bournemouth
Officers have enabled safe and legal protest activity in Bournemouth town centre and minimised disruption to the local community.
Significant resources were deployed to the Town Hall and Upper Gardens on Sunday 18 August 2024 in response to demonstrations between anti-immigration and anti-racism protestors.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said: “Thankfully, two peaceful static protests took place and there were no reports of disorder.
“We enacted our well-rehearsed plans and utilised specially trained officers based on intelligence and demand to ensure disruption to residents, visitors and businesses was kept to a minimum. Our highly visible policing approach enabled lawful protests and provided a reassuring presence for the public.
“There were temporary powers enacted that gave officers, where necessary and proportionate, additional tactics to keep communities safe and prevent serious violence.
“Over recent weeks we have repeatedly demonstrated our ability to enable people to exercise their right to protest without causing significant or ongoing disruption. Our primary focus has always been public safety and we have done all we can to prevent officers from facing violence while carrying out their duties.
“I am pleased to update that no criminal offences took place today and I would like to thank those involved for their conduct.
“Our officers were joined by specially trained colleagues from nine other forces across the country and I would like to praise all officers and staff who were on duty for the professionalism they displayed to ensure everyone remained safe.
“I am also very grateful to BCP Council and other partner agencies for their support during this significant operation, in addition to all those officers and staff for ensuring we were able to respond to calls from the public, attend incidents and investigate offences.”
Councillor Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council, said: “I would like to thank council staff, officers at Dorset Police and other partner agencies for the incredible work to keep people safe whilst we enabled the protests to take place.
“Alongside the police our teams were well prepared for all eventualities, and I am pleased we were able to support the police efforts by putting additional CCTV in place and extra CSAS officers on the ground. Through the youth outreach team our staff engaged with young people to offer support. Our teams proactively engaged with the local business community to offer advice and reassurance.
“Just like any other weekend so many people have been able to enjoy our beaches, gardens and town centre. With the warm weather set to continue for the next few days, residents and visitors can expect to enjoy all that our town has to offer.
“Everyone has the right to feel safe in their community and I am conscious that some will understandably remain concerned after these protests. We will continue to engage with our faith, community and business leaders to provide further support and reassurance.
“We remain immensely proud of the diverse and vibrant communities that help make Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole such a special place and we are deeply committed to making sure that BCP remains a sanctuary for all those who call our three towns home.”
