Police ill-equipped to tackle impact of online content during serious disorder, says HMICFRS

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services’ (HMICFRS) final report on last summer’s disorder concluded the police service “simply hasn’t kept pace with the fast-developing nature of online communications”.

Widespread unrest and violent disorder broke out in many towns and cities across the UK in July and August last year after three young girls, Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Da Silva Aguiar, were killed in a knife attack in Southport on Monday July 29.

Much of the extensive violence that followed was sparked by  harmful misinformation and disinformation that spread rapidly online.

However, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) argued that the report overlooks the reality that law enforcement “cannot and should not regulate social media”, and that policing “cannot function effectively when digital platforms allow harmful content to spread without consequence”.

His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary was commissioned by the Home Secretary to carry out a rapid review into the policing response to the disorder, to identify lessons for the future.

In December 2024, HMICFRS published part one. This included an assessment of the police service’s capacity and capability to handle violent disorder.

Part two, published today (May 7), examines intelligence gathering, managing online content and crime investigations.

The inspectorate found that most forces investigated offences quickly, professionally and thoroughly, working well with the criminal justice system to bring offenders to justice.

HMICFRS found no conclusive evidence that the 2024 disorder was deliberately premediated and coordinated by any specific group or network.

Inspectors said that it was mostly disaffected individuals, influencers or groups that incited people to act violently and take part in disorder, rather than criminal factions or extremists. And it was mainly unrelated to their ideology or political views. The causes of the disorder were complex, but the overwhelming speed and volume of online content further fuelled its spread.

But the inspectorate said that the police service “simply hasn’t kept pace with the fast-developing nature of online communications”.

It added: “Forces need to better appreciate how fast-moving events will require them to counter false narratives online and be innovative in their approach. Policing cannot be passive when public safety is at risk.”

HMICFRS found that the police service does not sufficiently prioritise intelligence on disorder and that lessons hadn’t been learnt from previous outbreaks, including reacting to changing public sentiment.

National risk assessments for public disorder need to be updated in response to changing threats, and the police service needs to have a better intelligence strategy or plan in place. At a time of national emergency, this plan should be clear and obvious to all.

Inspectors said that unless regulation and enforcement of illegal content is strengthened, and the capability is established for its immediate removal, the provisions of the Online Safety Act will have little or no bearing on the real-time effects of online content related to rapidly evolving serious disorder. In the context of a national emergency, once content is posted the potential harm is near instant.

HMICFRS has made three further recommendations for chief constables, police forces and others to take forward, focused on enhancing force, regional and national plans. These include creating and beginning work on plans to improve:

• The police service’s understanding and response to the risks associated with online content;
• How the police service collects, analyses and communicates intelligence about disorder; and
• How the police service investigates offences associated with large-scale disorder.

His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Andy Cooke said: “The attack in Southport which led to the loss of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Da Silva Aguiar, was devastatingly tragic. My thoughts remain with the victims’ families and those affected.

“Following this, we saw violent disorder spread quickly across many towns and cities, with forces across the country working hard to keep the public safe. And I am sure they will agree that in the face of extensive violence, officers displayed immense bravery. Investigations by most forces were carried out quickly, thoroughly and professionally, with some still investigating crimes in the wake of the disorder. The swift work of the criminal justice system in handing down significant sentences also undoubtedly had a deterrent effect.

“The causes of the disorder were complex. Predominantly, people who took part lived locally. But the events that led to the arrests of those involved included largely overt expressions of disaffection that took place online and on the streets of UK towns and cities. Irrespective of the causes, those involved cannot be excused for their actions.

“The police service needs to learn lessons from previous outbreaks of disorder; it should not be caught off-guard again. It needs to develop a more cohesive intelligence network that informs and supports the police response to simmering tension and unrest.”

He added: “I must reinforce the importance and value of neighbourhood policing. As officers establish positive relationships with communities, they develop a deeper understanding of people’s sentiments and feelings. But the emergence of virtual communities, who use social media and other online platforms as their main method of communication, has created additional challenges and demands for policing.

“Forces must be able to deal with the consequences of harmful information that spreads rapidly online. It’s vital that the legislation, regulation and enforcement of illegal online content improves to support this.

“I am disappointed that the police service has still not held a national debrief to learn lessons, over nine months after the disorder happened. Inaction detracts from the good work the police did during the disorder, and it harms the service’s reputation.

“The findings and recommendations from this review are only a starting point. I urge forces to learn from these events, and act now to strengthen their response to future instances of disorder and make sure the public are kept safe.”

The NPCC said the HMICFRS report “rightly recognises the bravery and professionalism of officers who acted decisively to protect communities and restore order”.

“This was a successful operation, despite the complexity of events,” it added.

“Since the summer, 1,840 arrests have been made, with 1,103 individuals charged, reinforcing policing’s commitment to justice.”

However, the NPCC said the report fails to accurately assess policing’s role in countering harmful online content.

“It overlooks the reality that law enforcement cannot and should not regulate social media, placing unrealistic expectations on policing while ignoring the critical responsibility of platform providers and regulators,” the NPCC said.

“Without robust detection, moderation, and removal of false narratives, misinformation will continue to fuel unrest unchecked.

“Policing cannot function effectively when digital platforms allow harmful content to spread without consequence. The lack of accountability in the report undermines the broader need for a multi-agency response to misinformation and disorder.

“Public education also has a critical role to play. Equipping communities with the tools to assess online content critically must be a shared effort across government, tech companies, and civil society. Tackling misinformation requires a coordinated, multi-sector approach.”

The NPCC noted the inspectorate’s concerns about national debriefing, however it said policing has already conducted “multiple operational debriefs”, covering both intelligence and crime, with extensive feedback gathered across forces. These insights, alongside HMICFRS recommendations, are being taken forward under NPCC leadership.

“Policing is advancing innovative technology solutions to enhance monitoring of misinformation and disinformation, building on social listening platforms used during the disorder. Strengthening collaboration with the Cabinet Office, we are now more closely integrated across government and policing to improve coordination,” the NPCC said.

“The Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee has expanded the capacity for force neighbourhood teams to engage more effectively with their communities. Additionally, we have been developing advanced technology to better assess real-time public sentiment through enhanced community tensions monitoring.

“Policing will continue working with partners to implement these recommendations decisively, ensuring a proactive and resilient approach to disorder prevention while maintaining our commitment to public safety.”

Chief Constable BJ Harrington, NPCC lead for Operations and the former Gold commander of Operation Navette, said: “We appreciate the inspectorate’s dedication in engaging with representatives from across policing and for recognising the professionalism and bravery demonstrated by our officers and staff during an extremely challenging period. The commitment of frontline officers to maintaining public safety, often in the face of significant personal risk, deserves acknowledgment, and we are pleased to see this reflected in the report.

“The assertion that no debrief took place does not reflect the extensive review work that has been undertaken since the events last summer. In response to the disorder, policing conducted national debriefs covering both intelligence and crime, ensuring key insights were gathered and shared across forces. These debriefs, convened by the College of Policing and individual forces, allowed policing to review its approach, strengthen intelligence-sharing, and refine operational strategies.

“We welcome the inspectorate’s recommendations and we’ll continue working with partners to refine and improve our response to fast-moving and unpredictable disorder. However, it is important to recognise the broader role of communications in operational success and ensure a more comprehensive approach to tackling misinformation.”

NPCC chair Chief Constable Gavin Stephens added: “Following the events of last summer, it was right that policing was questioned and scrutinised, and we recognise the Inspectorate’s role in that process.

“However, a more balanced assessment is needed, particularly regarding policing’s role in tackling misinformation and disinformation. While there are lessons to learn, it is crucial to acknowledge that law enforcement does not – and should not – regulate online content. Responsibility for ensuring information is accurate and does not fuel harm lies with those posting it, platform providers and regulatory bodies.

“The report states that policing has “no proper answer” for tackling misinformation and disinformation, but the issue extends far beyond law enforcement. No public sector organisation or body responsible for public safety is fully equipped to address the scale and complexity of the problem. Policing alone cannot be expected to lead or resolve this volatile challenge; it requires a coordinated, cross-government approach. This reality must be acknowledged.

“The report did not fully recognise the successes of the media strategy, particularly in delivering behaviour change and deterrence messaging, which are essential in countering rapidly spreading false narratives that can incite disorder.  I pay tribute to colleagues in local policing and communications, who worked tirelessly with media colleagues to ensure accurate information, and the consequences of involvement in violent disorder, were widely known and understood.

“A proactive communication model is needed, one that enables policing to engage directly with communities, providing accurate and timely information without overreliance on traditional media. However, achieving this requires resources that policing simply does not currently have, as financial pressures continue to mount.

“Strengthening intelligence alone is not enough to mitigate the risks posed by misinformation. A comprehensive approach is required – one that incorporates education during peacetime, stronger regulatory oversight, and independent messaging strategies extending beyond policing.

“We remain committed to learning from these events, refining our approach, and ensuring policing is prepared, resilient, and proactive in facing future challenges.”

Commenting on the review’s findings, Association of Police and Crime Commissioners chair Emily Spurrell said there was “no excuse for the violence that we saw last summer”.

Ms Spurrell, the police and crime commissioner (PCC) for Merseyside, said: “Officers responded admirably to a complex and fast-moving situation, something recognised by today’s report. However, mis- and dis-information played a significant role in spreading the hate and violence that played out on the streets of several towns and cities.

“I welcome the review’s acknowledgement of the challenges the police service faces in an era when the rapid spread of information online can have an almost instant impact on the ground. However, it is extremely concerning that the inspectorate finds forces have failed to learn lessons following previous incidents of widespread violent disorder.

“Technology is transforming society, and it is vital the police service keeps up with that. If our police are to respond to the kind of trouble we saw last summer, forces must prioritise investing time, resources and in the technology to identify those who might incite, promote and organise disorder on our streets. They need to develop the capability to monitor online sources, recognising and acting on intelligence of potential violence.

“As the report states, technology such as facial recognition can also offer powerful crime-fighting and crime-solving opportunities, and PCCs can ensure the appropriate oversight and governance of such tools is in place.

“At times of heightened public anxiety people look to figures such as PCCs for trusted information. It is crucial, therefore, that we and our local forces are in a position to work together to counter false narratives, whilst protecting the integrity of the criminal legal process.

“I am pleased that Sir Andy Cooke highlights the importance and value of neighbourhood policing as the bedrock of successful intelligence gathering. PCCs have long backed this model and are fully supportive of government plans to roll out 13,000 additional neighbourhood police officers. I and my fellow PCCs agree with Sir Andy that building positive relationships between officers and their communities will benefit policing through a deeper understanding of local public sentiment.”