Police offer reassurance to students as they return to campus

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said while the start of the new academic year brings “hope and excitement”, for many there will be “feelings of anxiety and tension following the public disorder seen over the summer”.

“Distress caused by these incidents has been significant, and will have intensified divisions within communities, particularly those that were already under very real pressure due to ongoing events in the Middle East,” it said.

“In responding to these incidents, policing implemented the largest mobilisation of public order officers since 2011, marking the first ever activation of the national mobilisation plan to create a national strategic reserve of public order officers.

“We remain extremely proud of the work of our officers, staff, and volunteers, who were dutiful and quick to respond, often in the face of real danger and adversity. Hundreds of our colleagues suffered physical injuries, many of whom needed hospital treatment. We also saw colleagues subject to vile racism and discrimination.”

The NPCC said it continues to work with staff associations and the National Police Wellbeing Service to ensure those affected can recover, both mentally and physically.

With these incidents having now subsided, and with hundreds of offenders being rapidly processed by the criminal justice system, the NPCC said its priority has shifted from operational response towards community recovery and cohesion.

It added: “Through full engagement and protective security, we are actively reassuring communities and organisations, and when necessary, safeguarding the most vulnerable.”

NPCC lead for race and inclusion, Chief Constable Rachel Kearton, said: “Neighbourhood policing teams, community safety teams, and higher education liaison officers have actively been engaging with partners and security teams at higher and further education establishments, offering advice and guidance to ensure that vulnerable premises are safeguarded, and that students know where to go for help and support.

“We have no intelligence to indicate there will be a reappearance of the major public disorder previously seen, but we ask educational establishments to remain vigilant, and to promote zero-tolerance towards hate or discriminatory behaviour.

“We know that the risk of hate crime never goes away, and we will not stop investigating reports. Our message to students is that racial and faith-based discrimination will never be tolerated in any form, and we encourage anyone who suffers such a crime to report it to the police.

“Our officers are highly trained, will treat everyone with respect and dignity and handle cases sensitively. We ask that victims come to us as soon as possible after an offence has been committed so we can begin our investigation as early as possible.”

She said places of learning will also have reporting channels, such as via campus safety teams, student hubs, the student union and college support teams. For those who do not wish to report directly to the police,  crime can always be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers.

“We know that the events of the summer were hugely challenging, and that anxieties and concern will understandably linger,” said Ms Kearton.

“There has been incredible unity displayed across the country and this is how we tackle division, by standing together, and I want to reassure all of our communities that policing will continue to do its utmost to keep them safe.”