Profile piece | Being a public order officer
Police Sergeant Scott Jones gives his first-hand account on what he has faced during the recent protests when violent disorder has broke out:
I have been a specialist trained public order officer for seven years, having served as a police constable, sergeant and more recently a Police Support Unit (PSU) Commander.
Over the past two weeks I have been to five different protests within the South West and have worked long hours to enable safe and legal protest activity. I also had the privilege of being the PSU Commander for the operation’s National Contingency, which has meant having officers on standby ready to respond to resourcing calls from other forces for mutual aid support if it were needed.
To fulfil our national commitment, I was detached from my normal day job and instead stood on the frontline alongside other colleagues who volunteer as PSU officers to keep our communities safe.
“I saw a brick being thrown out of nowhere.”
I was aware of the national picture and the disorder that occurred throughout the UK but I remained optimistic and didn't foresee issues here in Dorset. I assumed that there may be some chanting and minor anti-social behaviour, but I was shocked at some of the disorder that myself and colleagues faced from those who wanted to misbehave under the guise of the protest.
During the protests some groups showed hostility towards others, displaying aggression through violence and throwing items such as bricks and bottles. I also experienced and witnessed aggressive behaviour aimed towards police officers, which included one of my colleagues being punched to the face, causing him to be unsteady on his feet.
I had confidence in our command structure that we would be able to manage the disorder and come to a safe resolution. I knew there was a lot of planning going on behind the scenes which enabled us to have it under control and managed.
“My loved ones were worried about my safety.”
During the protest in Weymouth I stood with one protest group and looked up to see people from the other side running along the beachfront in an attempt to confront and potentially cause more violent disorder.
This was a difficult and high-pressure environment, but I was confident in my equipment, my team and the training we had received. We deployed lines of officers to create a barrier and keep both groups separated and prevent violent interactions.
This wasn’t easy and I was spending multiple hours in PSU kit, which included fireproof undergarments, full protective pads and overalls and a PSU helmet in already very hot weather conditions. But this was about teamwork and we are here to protect our communities, putting ourselves in potentially dangerous situations and holding the line between opposing groups.
My friends and family have all been shocked about the disorder demonstrated at some of the protests and were keen to know I was safe. It was upsetting to know that my children were worried for my safety, and I had to make the decision to sacrifice spending time with them to ensure we kept other people safe over this time period.
I am pleased about what we in Dorset achieved with the protests we had in force. I am fully committed to serve and protect our communities, and I am proud to be an officer and public order volunteer for Dorset Police.
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