Specialist public order officers to be deployed on Bonfire Night
Specially trained public order officers will again be deployed by Police Scotland during Bonfire Night to protect local policing teams from attack.
As part of Police Scotland’s Operation Moonbeam, the specialist officers will support colleagues responding to fireworks-related offences.
Since Operation Moonbeam was first launched in 2018, the number of criminal incidents involving fireworks has decreased.
However, last year officers responding to reports of disorder and anti-social behaviour in certain parts of the country were subjected to “unprecedented levels of aggression and violence”, the force said.
In total, 62 officers sustained a range of injuries after being struck by, or in proximity of, a firework that was thrown towards them.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “What we saw last year was an unacceptable level of hostility and violence, which was primarily directed at police officers and, for the most, was instigated by adults linked to organised crime, who provided young people with fireworks and other weapons and encouraged them to attack officers.
“This horrific behaviour jeopardised the safety and wellbeing of those who were trying to keep communities safe.
“Significant investigation was undertaken in the weeks and months that followed and numerous people were charged in connection with these incidents.
“I want to make it clear that those responsible for endangering the lives of police officers, other emergency service workers, or members of the public will be identified, and they will be brought to justice. In the event you avoid being caught on the night, you can expect a visit from us once we have conducted our inquiries.”
He is urging the public to work alongside the police in helping make Bonfire Night “a safe and enjoyable occasion” by reporting any criminality or suspicions they may have that others are “seeking to do harm within our communities”.
This year’s Operation Moonbeam was launched at a joint event in Glasgow Green, alongside Crimestoppers and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, which both launched their own initiatives aimed at deterring the criminal and reckless use of fireworks.