Humberside Police Riot Response Deemed “Not Well Planned” by Officers

Serving police officers informed the BBC that they experienced “horrendous attacks” during the Hull riots, asserting they were deployed with “little support” and were “not prepared enough”. Several officers, across different ranks, stated that Humberside Police’s chief officers were “invisible” on Saturday 3 August. These officers claimed that insufficient planning led to injured personnel being transported to hospital by off-duty colleagues using their private vehicles. A national report indicated that police forces were “unprepared” for the unrest that followed the Southport knife attacks. In response, Humberside Police stated that its staff had “worked tirelessly” in support roles and commended the “bravery, commitment and dedication” of its frontline officers as “exemplary”. Individuals involved in the police operations on 3 August, a day marked by extensive damage and looting in Hull city centre, have expressed concerns regarding the effects on their fellow officers. An officer remarked: “There was anticipation of rioting and violence that weekend. Police officers who were going to be on the front line had their days off cancelled.” This officer continued: “You would expect a chief officer to be physically present, managing the response and supporting officers. They weren’t.” Another officer commented: “You would normally see them (chief officers) at some point during a regular weekend – let alone one when intelligence told us it would be tough.” This individual further explained: “At first you didn’t realise because we were so overwhelmed but when they were invisible on the Sunday too, it became apparent.” The BBC was informed by officers that injured colleagues were transported to hospitals in private vehicles and remained in their uniforms while awaiting medical attention, a situation that His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) report deemed “shouldn’t happen”. Lee Sims, who serves as chairman of the Humberside Police Federation, the body representing rank and file officers, detailed the support provided by the organisation. Mr. Sims stated: “We transported the majority of our colleagues to hospital for treatment. This was facilitated by an off-duty colleague in their own personal vehicle.” He added: “They were subjected to horrendous attacks during the protests, when they were just trying to protect the public and keep our streets safe.” He further observed: “I saw first-hand officers being assaulted; officers being attacked by missiles as a result of mindless violence. This should not be tolerated in any circumstances.” Deputy Chief Constable Dave Marshall affirmed that the force adhered to national guidelines on the day of the riots by establishing a command structure that included a dedicated “gold commander”. Mr. Marshall declared: “Our planning and response was decisive and robust, with 25 arrests made on the day and many more that followed.” He continued: “Ahead of the day, multiple planning meetings and briefings were held based on the known intelligence, with a comprehensive operational plan in place.” He concluded by saying: “We are extremely proud to have a workforce of this calibre, all of whom are dedicated to serving their public.” He also mentioned that the Police Federation had been consulted regarding logistical and well-being matters to guarantee appropriate support for staff. Last week, Judi Heaton, the interim Humberside Police Chief Constable, faced questioning from the Home Affairs Select Committee concerning the force’s handling of the disorder. Ms. Heaton informed MPs that her force initially adopted a “low-key approach” to policing that day, but she added that she had “never seen anything like it” once violence and looting commenced. Ms. Heaton stated to the committee that her senior team “were around” throughout the weekend and that she was “not aware” of any injured officers being transported to hospital in personal vehicles. Additionally, officers informed the BBC that “lots of complaints” concerning staff welfare were lodged after the riots. The Humberside Police Federation confirmed that complaints brought to their attention had been “fed back to the force immediately”. In October, the HMICFRS commended Humberside Police’s overall performance, acknowledging officers, staff, and volunteers for their “hard work” and “success”. Nevertheless, inspectors also voiced “serious concerns” regarding “instability” within the senior leadership. A serving officer conveyed to the BBC: “The leadership of the force is in total disarray. There is no confidence in it whatsoever.” Another officer further stated: “Morale is at an all-time low and leadership is absolutely non-existent.” This individual continued: “Many people don’t feel it is safe to work here anymore. It is making people ill.” The officer concluded: “Officers are afraid to speak because they have families and mortgages.” Ms. Heaton, appointed as the force’s interim chief constable after Paul Anderson’s departure in June, had previously asserted her commitment to “deal with” any cultural issues impacting the force. Mr. Marshall noted that recent inspection outcomes indicated the force was “highly performing” and expressed his belief that “success could not be achieved without a ‘one team’ ethos”.