Football Policing. Standard Operating Procedure

Transcription

1 Football Policing Standard Operating Procedure Notice: This document has been made available through the Police Service of Scotland Freedom of Information Publication Scheme. It should not be utilised as guidance or instruction by any police officer or employee as it may have been redacted due to legal exemptions. Owning Department Version Number FoCUS 6.00 Date Published 31/10/2017 Version 6.00 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED

2 Compliance Record Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment (EqHRIA): Date Completed / Reviewed: Information Management Compliant: Health and Safety Compliant: Publication Scheme Compliant: 01/02/2017 Yes Yes Yes Version Control Table Version History of Amendments Date 1.00 First publication conversion of Football Policing Toolkit 27/03/ Minor amendment to include e-learning package 22/04/ Amendments to court guidance and risk assessment processes. 23/03/ Major review 10/12/ Minor amendment Arbitration Process for Charging for Resources and Appendix B to Include Charging Document and ISP Templates 10/05/ Explanation of Match Categories. 01/11/ Amendments caused by publication of new guidance in relation to pyrotechnics with some other minor updating of provisions such as Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Also minor rewording to ensure CJ compliance when this takes effect while being fit for purpose currently. 25/10/2017 Version 6.00 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 2

3 Contents 1. Purpose 2. Strategic framework 3. Definitions 4. Key Roles in Football Policing 5. Information Sharing 6. Planning for fixtures 7. Specialist Roles in Football Policing 8. Match day phase - Operational Response to Football Policing Incidents 9. Football-related criminality 10. Post-match investigations 11. Report Writing 12. Court Preparation 13. Unacceptable Conduct by Groups of Supporters 14. Matches with an international dimension 15. Football Intranet Site Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E Appendix F List of Associated Legislation List of Associated Reference Documents List of Associated Forms Ground Regulations Pre-match Briefing for Officials Case Law Version 6.00 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 3

4 1. Purpose 1.1 This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) supports the Police Service of Scotland (hereafter referred to as Police Scotland) Policy for Football Policing. 1.2 The police role at football is principally to assist the host club to ensure the safety of those attending the fixture, maintain public order and minimise disruption to communities and the information within this SOP is intended to support these objectives. It contains guidance on relevant roles, investigations, report writing and details of key resources for further information and assistance. 1.3 Guidance at a strategic level is contained within the Police Scotland National Strategy for Policing Football in Scotland. 2. Strategic Framework 2.1 Statement of intent (SOI) Responsibility for delivery of football events rests with the event organiser (generally the club, though this can also be other bodies such as the Scottish FA or Scottish Professional Football League). The relationship between the responsibilities of Police Scotland and football clubs / event organiser is governed by the SOI which is published as Force Form and which is signed by both a Police Scotland representative and a club / event organiser representative. 2.2 Strategic Intention The Strategic Intention, which sets out the parameters of the policing operation for each football policing operation, should be included within the Operational Order and all officers engaged on the operation must be made aware of its content prior to deploying. 3. Definitions 3.1 Disorder and Violence Football-related violence and disorder takes many forms and may manifest itself either at a fixture or many miles from the ground and sometimes hours before or after the match The Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2006 provides the legal definitions of violence and disorder in terms of Football Banning Order legislation. Version 6.00 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 4

5 3.2 Designated Sports Grounds and Designated Fixtures Designated fixtures and sports grounds are prescribed by Scottish Ministers under the provisions of Part II of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 and are published by way of Scottish Statutory Instrument It should be noted that the legislation covers senior football fixtures but not fixtures under the auspices of the Scottish Junior Football Association The Sports Grounds and Sporting Events (Designation) (Scotland) Order 2014 lists all of designated sports grounds in Scotland The types of fixture designated are: Part I 1. Association football matches in the Scottish Professional Football League. 2. Association football matches in the Scottish Lowland Football League. 3. Association football matches in the Scottish Highland Football League. 4. Association football matches in the competition for (a) the Scottish Football Association Challenge Cup; (b) the Scottish League Cup; (c) the Scottish League Challenge Cup; (d) the Scottish Lowland Football League Cup; (e) the Scottish Highland Football League Cup; (f) the UEFA Champions League; (g) the UEFA Europa League; or (h) the UEFA Super Cup. 5. International association football matches in Scotland. 6. Association football matches (other than those specified in paragraphs 1 to 5 above) which come within the jurisdiction of the Scottish Football Association Limited. PART II Association football matches at a sports ground outside Great Britain in which one of the participating teams represents (a) the Scottish Football Association Limited; (b) a club which is a member of the Scottish Professional Football League; (c) a club which is a member of the Scottish Lowland Football League; or (d) a club which is a member of the Scottish Highland Football League. Version 6.00 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 5

6 3.3 Football Matches and Regulated Football Matches The terms football match and regulated football match are defined in the Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act Football matches are: Association football matches; and Are matches played or intended to be played Regulated Football Matches are: (a) Football matches within subsection (3) below; and (b) Such other football matches, anywhere in the world, as may be prescribed by order made by the Scottish Ministers. Subsection (3): The football matches within this subsection are: (a)football matches anywhere in the United Kingdom where one or both of the participating teams: (i) Represents a country or territory; (ii) Represents a club which is for the time being a member of the Scottish Professional Football League; (iii) Represents a club which is for the time being a member (whether a full or associate member) of the Football League, the Football Association Premier League, the Football Conference or the League of Wales; (aa) football matches anywhere in the United Kingdom, not falling within paragraph (a) above: (i) Which are part of a competition or tournament organised by, or under the authority of, the Federation Internationale de Football Associations ("FIFA") or the Union of European Football Associations ("UEFA"); and (ii) where one or both of the participating teams represents a club which is for the time being a member (whether a full or associate member) of, or affiliated to, a national football association which is a member of FIFA; (b) Football matches outside the United Kingdom involving: (i) A national team appointed to represent Scotland, England or Wales by, respectively, the Scottish Football Association, the Football Association or the Football Association of Wales; (ii) A team representing a club mentioned in paragraph (a)(ii) or (iii). (4) The Scottish Ministers may by order modify subsection (3) above so as to; (a) Add a description of football matches, anywhere in the world; (b) Remove such a description; (c) Amend such a description. Version 6.00 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 6

7 3.3.4 Regulated Football Matches for the purposes of the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012: It should be noted that the definition of a Regulated Football Match for the purposes of the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012 differs from the definition above in that for the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012 to apply to a match outside the United Kingdom, the match must involve a team from Scotland (either club or country). 3.4 Offensive Behaviour at Football Matches The principal legislation for prosecuting football-related violence and disorder is the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act This Act creates two separate offences: Section 1, offensive behaviour at regulated football matches and Section 6, threatening communications. To prove a Section 1 charge the following three elements must be present: The behaviour must be offensive or threatening; The behaviour must relate to a regulated football match; and The behaviour is likely to, or would be likely to, incite public disorder Section 6 relates to communicating material which includes threats of serious violence or threats intended to incite religious hatred. It should be noted that this offence is not restricted to a football context. 3.5 Risk The term risk is used in relation to individuals who associate themselves to football with the intention of engaging in criminal activity often centred on communal violence Risk supporter A person, known or not, who can be regarded as posing a possible risk to public order or antisocial behaviour, whether planned or spontaneous, at or in connection with a football event Non-risk supporter A person, known or not, who can be regarded as posing no risk to the cause of or contribution to violence or disorder, whether planned or spontaneous, at or in connection with a football event. Version 6.00 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 7

8 4. Key Roles in Football Policing 4.1 Football Authorities 4.2 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) FIFA is the international governing body of association football. It has over 200 member associations and its goal, enshrined in its statutes, is the constant improvement of football. The FIFA Congress, comprising the member national football associations, makes decisions relating to FIFA's governing statutes and the method by which they are implemented and applied. Each national association has one vote, regardless of its size or footballing strength FIFA has a disciplinary code of conduct which applies to every match and competition organised by FIFA but also applies to any breach of FIFA regulations that does not fall under the jurisdiction of any other body. 4.3 Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) UEFA is the governing body of association football in Europe, and is the largest of the six continental confederations of FIFA, representing 55 of the national football associations of Europe. UEFA runs international and club competitions and controls the regulations and media rights in relation to those competitions. 4.4 The Scottish FA The Scottish FA is the governing body of association football in Scotland. It is a member of both FIFA and UEFA and has responsibility for the control and development of football in Scotland. The Scottish FA also runs the Scottish Cup competition which is open to all senior football clubs along with a number of non-professional game entrants The Scottish FA is responsible for all aspects of on-field discipline in the Scottish game and is the appellate body where any Scottish football club wishes to appeal an action taken against them by their league body. 4.5 Compliance Officer The Scottish FA compliance officer has general responsibility for ensuring that all clubs involved in association football in Scotland observe the disciplinary rules and enforcement of these rules may include offering fixed suspensions to players/staff and the pursuit of proceedings before tribunals The compliance officer may carry out such activities as are necessary for the exercise of their function and all participants in Scottish association football are required to cooperate with any investigation and to provide any such reasonable information that the compliance officer requests. Version 6.00 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 8

9 4.5.3 Further information regarding Scottish FA disciplinary rules and role of the compliance officer can be found within the Scottish FA Handbook and the Scottish FA Judicial Panel Protocol. 4.6 Integrity Officer The Scottish FA Integrity Officer is responsible for all matters relating to suspected match fixing regarding the prosecution of corrupt or criminal practices affecting football The Scottish FA fully understands that the responsibility to counter the threat from match-fixing lies primarily with the governing body, but will require cooperation from others associated within the game, together with Police Scotland and the Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS). This approach will be delivered through the five pillars of FIFA s Integrity Initiative: Prevention, Detection, Information Gathering, Investigations and Sanctions The Integrity Officer chairs the Scottish FA Integrity Taskforce which includes senior representatives within the Scottish FA, Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL), Professional Footballers Association (PFA) Scotland, Managers & Coaches Association, Scotland, COPFS and the Head of Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit (OCCTU) within Police Scotland. 4.7 The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) Established at the beginning of season , the SPFL is the senior league body for football in Scotland. The SPFL Board has the main responsibility for corporate governance, strategic development, delivery of the SPFL objectives and the application of the SPFL rules The SPFL will consult with the police and clubs to ensure that all factors are taken into consideration when determining the fixture schedule for the season. This will take place on a formal basis prior to the start of each season and again before the league split. Ongoing dialogue will continue throughout the season in relation to any proposed changes to the day or kick off time of a match. 4.8 Match Officials All match officials for association football matches in Scotland must be registered with the Scottish FA and a member of one of the Scottish FA Referee Associations. Three officials will be appointed to all matches with a fourth official being appointed to SPFL Premiership matches, selected Championship matches and the latter stages of the Scottish Cup, Scottish League Cup and Scottish Challenge Cup competitions. Version 6.00 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 9

10 4.8.2 The match officials are the arbiters of on-field play and will submit a report to the Scottish FA after every game detailing any on field incidents during the match. If the referee is advised, or becomes aware of, any unacceptable behaviour or safety issues off the field of play then a separate report detailing these issues will be submitted by them to the Scottish FA. 4.9 Match Delegates The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) appoints a delegate to every match it organises and UEFA disciplinary action is taken on the basis of the report submitted by these officials. In addition, a UEFA Security delegate may be appointed to higher risk matches A Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) match delegate will attend at all SPFL Premiership fixtures, as well as selected Championship fixtures. The delegate will provide a report to the SPFL reporting any on or off field incidents, including supporter behaviour. This will include any issues brought to their attention by the police, club representative or referee Match officials and club officials are the main source of reports on such matters at fixtures where no delegate is present Football Clubs General Senior football clubs in Scotland are all affiliated to the Scottish FA and must adhere to the rules and codes of conduct as prescribed by the Association The responsibility for the safety of spectators at sports grounds lies with the ground management who should consult with representatives of the local authority, police, fire and ambulance services with regards to measures to be taken in order to achieve reasonable safety standards Detailed guidance in relation to safety within football stadiums and the assessment of safe numbers which can be accommodated can be found within the Department for Culture, Media and Sport document Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds, known as the Green Guide Safety Certificate and Prohibition Notice The Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975 and the Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sport Act 1987, require certain sports grounds to have a safety certificate in place. Generally this means sports grounds with a capacity for more than 10,000 spectators (designated stadium), or stands in sports grounds providing covered accommodation for 500 or more spectators (regulated stand). Version 6.00 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 10

11 A safety certificate, which will have a plan of the ground to which it relates attached, is issued by the local authority for the area in which the sports ground is situated. The local authority will consult with key partners including police, fire service and relevant building authority in considering and granting a safety certificate The safety certificate will contain terms and conditions which the local authority consider necessary to secure reasonable safety at the ground. This is likely to include conditions regarding sufficient stewarding, policing and medical provision. Failure to comply with these terms and conditions is an offence If the local authority is of the opinion that the admission of spectators would be a serious risk then they may serve a prohibition notice on the holder of the safety certificate or on the person responsible for the management of the ground where there is no such safety certificate. The prohibition notice will direct that no or no more than a specified number of spectators shall be admitted until the identified matters are remedied. It is an offence if spectators are admitted in breach of a prohibition notice Where there are concerns regarding the safety of a football stadium then these should be brought to the attention of the local authority safety team for their consideration Safety Officer The Safety Officer is in overall control of operational safety management issues on match day and on non-match days they have a key role in advising on issues relating to spectator safety All Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) clubs must appoint an occupationally competent safety officer, and deputy safety officer, responsible for the safety, security and stewarding matters of their ground. The safety officer, and deputy, should as a minimum have, or be working towards, a level 4 spectator safety qualification on the relevant qualification framework The safety officer responsibilities include: Liaison with supporters and supporters clubs as required Liaison with police, stewarding contractor, fire service, ambulance and first aid providers and council representatives regarding match and event arrangements Ensuring match officials are fully briefed on safety procedures practised within the stadium Contact with the officials of other clubs in relation to travelling supporters going to matches and visiting supporters attending the stadium Overseeing and coordinating the operations within the stadium on match days to ensure the smooth operation of the event Version 6.00 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 11

12 Conducting pre-event inspection of the stadium to allow the signing off of an event checklist to be presented to the match commander; ensuring that any concerns identified are highlighted for remedial action prior to the event Attending the home pre-match meetings with police and stewarding contractor. Where necessary attend the pre match meeting for away matches where there is a likelihood of a problem with supporters Monitoring stewarding levels on a match day to ensure that adequate stewards are in place and their tasks and duties carried out correctly. Also to review and modify stewarding schedules as necessary Close consultation with police to exchange information on problematic supporters and those who breach the ground rules which could lead to individuals being banned from the stadium in line with the information sharing protocol in place. Tackling anti-social behaviour, such as excessive foul language, racial, religious or other such abuse should be treated with a high priority 4.13 Football Supporters The Scottish FA requires that football clubs, or recognised football body directly responsible for arranging a match, must: take all steps as are reasonably practicable to ensure the safety, good conduct and behaviour of its supporters at any ground. (Further details can be found within the Scottish FA Handbook). take all such steps as are reasonable practicable to identify any of its supporters who engage in Unacceptable Conduct at a match, and, so far as reasonably practicable, take proportionate disciplinary measures in respect of such supporters. ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that its players, officials, supporters and any person exercising a function for or in connection with the club do not engage in Unacceptable Conduct at any club s ground on the occasion of a match The Scottish FA is the regulating authority for this issue in relation to matches involving the national team and in the Scottish Cup competition and misbehaviour by spectators before, during or at the close of a match resulting from the failure of the club to take such steps shall render the club liable to a fine, closure of ground, suspension or all of these penalties The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has responsibility for these matters in their league matches. Version 6.00 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 12

13 Police, football authorities and football clubs all have a responsibility to liaise with supporters organisations to ensure that the supporters are aware of the standards of behaviour expected and deemed acceptable. Liaison with supporters groups should also aim to foster constructive relationships and provide reassurance that the objective is to provide a safe and positive environment for supporters A Scottish FA Supporters Charter commissioned as a recommendation of the Scottish Government-led Joint Action Group and created through consultation with supporters, sets out the expectations around supporters behaviour Police Match Commander The role of the Police Match Commander is to: Assist the club with their responsibility for safety and crowd management where necessary Maintain law and order The Police Match Commander has a crucial role in planning, briefing and leading the police deployment at football fixtures, including determining the match category (see section 6.6), setting resource levels and developing the operational policing plan. This role is also central to post-match reporting of relevant issues (disorder, crowd safety etc) to the football authorities for consideration by them of disciplinary action. At all times the authority of the Police Match Commander is paramount in directing police resources and all operational police decisions While in normal circumstances the match officials will deal with inappropriate behaviour by participants, the Lord Advocate has issued guidelines on incidents during sporting events which give instruction on dealing with circumstances where participant behaviour constitutes a criminal offence. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) website contains full details of these guidelines Criteria for Selection, Training and Qualification Match Commanders must complete the accredited Event Management Course training for this role The Event / Match Commander Criteria for Selection, Training and Qualification Guidance Document provides guidance to prospective students on the selection criteria and relevant process to become an accredited Event/Match Commander, considered as occupationally competent in the role Divisional Commanders / Departmental Heads will be responsible for identifying the appropriate training need for individuals to be considered for attendance on the Event Management course at Police Scotland College, Tulliallan. Version 6.00 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 13

14 The document details criteria to assist with the identification of any suitable candidate. This list is not exhaustive, but should be used as guidance to assist in the assessment as to the eligibility of individual candidates The Events, Emergency and Resilience Planning Unit (EERPU) East office will be responsible for providing the administration function and support in respect of the mentoring process and will manage the cadre in relation to suitable mentors with a view to ensuring a consistent and fair approach for all involved. As such, EERPU East will record the progress of each individual through the assessment process to final qualification on the Event Commanders Assessment Log. Please refer to the guidance document published on the Intranet for further information Football Liaison Officer (FLO) The FLO acts as a key link between the police and the club and other stakeholders. The role is important in developing and maintaining positive working relationships which will enhance spectator safety and minimise the risk of crime and disorder during football policing operations The FLO may assist with match categorisation, tactical planning and preparation of operational orders and may represent the police in matters requiring cooperation with partners Details of the officers undertaking the FLO role should be easily accessible to all operational officers to ensure information flows are effective Football Intelligence Officer (FIO) High quality, accurate and timely information and intelligence are vital in determining the strategy, tactics, resource levels and support services required for any football event. In this context the role of the FIO is recognised as being crucial in order to prevent and tackle all aspects of football-related criminality FIOs should provide a focal point for all information and intelligence relating to the club for which they have responsibility. The relationship between the FIO and the Football Liaison Officer (FLO) is fundamental as the roles require close cooperation As with any police role, FIOs undertaking football duties may become aware of criminal activity not related to their duties or be approached by the public with reports and in these circumstances, they will be required to deal appropriately with such incidents. However, Police Match Commanders may wish to consider having the FIOs released from such incidents at the earliest opportunity. Version 6.00 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 14

15 FIOs should travel to away fixtures of their associated club where intelligence suggests Football Banning Order (FBO) subjects from the team(s) for which they are responsible may attend or where an identified risk element exists, with intelligence-led risk assessment being the primary deciding factor In order to ensure source protection and to guard against allegations of impropriety, it is crucial that officers including FIOs who are involved in sanitising intelligence logs are not deployed operationally Full details of the FIO role are available on the Football Intranet site Operational Planning Divisional Operational Planning Units will liaise with Local Intelligence Officers for intelligence briefings prior to the match and will complete the risk assessment process using Force form Following completion of the risk assessment process, the match category will be confirmed and resources selected from the range of options included on the risk assessment form, with the Operational Order being completed thereafter When resources are being secured for football policing operations, cognisance must be taken of the relevant Police Regulations and Force Guidance on resource management A nominated post-holder within Operational Planning Units should have responsibility for submitting the match reports on Force form to FIOs, whether positive or negative in terms of violence or disorder: negative reports contribute to end of season disorder updates and pre-season planning as effectively as those containing details of violence or disorder. All such reports rely on comprehensive debriefing and must be accurate and fully completed within 3 days, with all the information available. They must be approved by the Police Match Commander and submitted to the Football Banning Orders Authority and local Football Intelligence Officer Stewards Effective safety management at football fixtures requires the use of stewards and in many circumstances stewards will take the lead in dealing with issues arising at the stadium. In addition, travelling stewards may accompany away supporters in order to assist with enhanced knowledge of the travelling support The stewarding operation should be coordinated and directed from the ground s control point which should maintain an efficient means of communication with stewards and/or their supervisors. It is important that the police operation and stewarding plan work jointly to promote the safety of those attending the fixture. Version 6.00 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 15

16 In certain circumstances, stewards who undertake licensable conduct in terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 as it applies to Scotland may require a licence from the Security Industry Authority (SIA). Licensing requirements vary between stewards deployed as in-house employees and contract stewards, dependent on the activities being undertaken. Contract stewards will require to be SIA licensed for such activities as CCTV operations, searching and guarding. In-house stewards may undertake such activities without SIA accreditation; but will require to be licensed when responsible for the supervision of premises licensed to sell alcohol. There are 10 basic duties for stewards provided in the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds summarised as: To understand their general responsibilities towards the health and safety and welfare of all spectators, other stewards, ground staff and themselves To carry out safety checks To control or direct spectators who are entering or leaving the ground to help achieve an even flow of people To assist in the safe operation of the ground, not to view the activity taking place To staff entrances and other strategic points, e.g. segregation, perimeter and exit doors To recognise crowd conditions so as to ensure the safe dispersal of spectators and the prevention of overcrowding, particularly on terraces or viewing slopes To assist the emergency services as required To provide basic first aid To respond to emergencies (such as early stages of fire); to raise the alarm and take necessary immediate action To undertake specific duties in an emergency or as directed by the safety officer or appropriate emergency services officer There are certain matches where it may be beneficial to invite suitably trained and qualified stewards from visiting clubs. Such stewards should be considered as additional to the home clubs stewarding and safety management plan. Such stewards must arrive before the ground is open to the public and in time to be fully briefed Where police officers are deployed at football matches they should have an awareness of the stewarding operation and be prepared to assist stewards where there is criminality or a risk of criminality. Version 6.00 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 16

17 4.19 Police Supervisors The role of supervisors is crucial in ensuring incidents are correctly identified as football-related, that reports are completed satisfactorily and that an effective debrief identifies relevant information and intelligence to inform future deployments All on duty officers and police staff must be made aware on match days that football is taking place whether or not they have a football-related deployment that day and irrespective of match locations. This can be delivered by way of electronic or other suitable briefing and should include links to Football Banning Order legislation, guidance and intelligence. All staff must accordingly be debriefed upon completion of duty. It must be appreciated that football-related violence and disorder can take place many miles from the stadium Supervisors have a key role in ensuring that officers are professional in their approach and engage with supporters in an effort to promote a cooperative atmosphere Supervisors should also be fully conversant with the Ground Regulations for the particular stadium and ensure all officers under their command understand their role in assisting the club to enforce these Regulations A template set of Ground Regulations is available at Appendix D Stadium Police Control Room Staff Stadium police control room staff can assist the policing operation by: Proactive monitoring of anticipated flashpoints Early identification of changes in crowd dynamics Capturing footage of offensive behaviour / use of pyrotechnics for retrospective enquiry Logging of incidents of violence, disorder or other unacceptable behaviour Identification of FBO subjects attending fixtures Advice to police Match Commander on the deployment of officers within the ground The importance of accurate logging cannot be underestimated. When submitting reports to the football authorities an accurate and comprehensive log is crucial in providing a full picture of events and permits the conduct of a meaningful investigation Police Match Commanders must ensure that where a venue has either no internal control room or has a temporary control room, staff are not left vulnerable through factors such as isolation, lone working or exposure to the elements. Version 6.00 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 17

18 4.21 Contact Centre and Area Control Room Staff Police officers or members of police staff employed as call-takers or dispatchers in contact centres or control rooms have a key role in identifying incidents which although not at the stadium, may be football-related. They will be briefed by the on duty supervisor for their command on the requirement to pass on this information to the officers attending. This would include incidents in licensed premises which are televising a match, incidents where club colours are mentioned or where football-related remarks have been heard and domestic incidents where football is a motivating factor in the offending behaviour. They also have a key role in ensuring incidents are resulted appropriately Custody Staff Custody officers have a key role in identifying football-related offenders and can provide an invaluable cross-check to ensure that all football-related offenders are considered for a football banning order Custody staff will ask the following of all arresting officers: Is this arrest football related? Was the accused at a football match (or premises televising a match, excepting domestic premises)? Was the accused on their way to or from a football match (or premises televising a match, excepting domestic premises)? Is the offence otherwise motivated by a football game? These questions are relevant on any day where a football match is being played in Scotland and should not be restricted to days when a match is being played in that particular area in which an offence is committed. As an example, an incident was identified in Dundee involving football-related violence directly related to a match played in Glasgow earlier that day Custody staff also have a role in determining the disposal of those arrested. The options available are: Custody for court Undertaking to appear at court at a later date Release for report Fixed Penalty Notice 4.23 Crime Management Crime Managers have a role in monitoring football-related crime reports and ensuring they are accurately updated. On occasions where a Football Banning Order (FBO) is not sought at the initial police report stage, Crime Managers may be able to identify this and ensure that the Procurator Fiscal is appropriately updated by the reporting officer prior to court proceedings in order that an FBO may still be requested on conviction. Version 6.00 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 18

19 4.24 Case Management Police Case Management staff or other officer with enhanced FBO knowledge (e.g. FIO) should be on duty on match days to monitor police incidents, arrests and reports to the Procurator Fiscal in respect of all fixtures where there is an assessed likelihood of FBO subjects attending or where there is likely to be offending resulting in FBO requests. Where a fixture is assessed as not posing this risk and would not benefit from this deployment, a nominated post-holder should have responsibility for this monitoring role in the days immediately following a fixture When a case is submitted to the Procurator Fiscal requesting that an FBO be considered as an appropriate disposal, notification of this must be forwarded by Case Management staff to the Football Banning Orders Manager so that they can monitor the court proceedings. Case Management staff must ensure such police reports contain sufficient information to permit a Sheriff to make an informed decision in relation to imposing an FBO. The information contained in the enhanced impact assessment on the Football Intranet site will assist with this. Case Management staff will screen police reports where an FBO is appropriate but has not been requested and ensure that the Procurator Fiscal is appropriately updated by the reporting officer prior to court proceedings in order that an FBO may still be requested on conviction Case Management staff must also screen police reports for FBO requests which are disproportionate or inappropriate and make arrangements for these requests to be deleted, in conjunction with the Reporting Officer or Police Match Commander as appropriate. This ensures the use of this legislation does not become trivialised and demonstrates to courts that police are taking a considered approach Where individual officers are granted the facility to submit police reports direct to the Procurator Fiscal, the responsibility for ensuring such reports comply with the instructions detailed above falls to them. 5. Information Sharing 5.1 General The sharing of relevant information between clubs (and Scottish FA in relation to the national team) and police is essential to the detection of offenders and prevention of crime. All information gathered and shared must be done in line with Data Protection legislation and operational officers must ensure that details of relevant individuals are recorded accurately for subsequent sharing where proportionate and relevant This will normally be achieved via routine post-match de-briefing, with supervisors collating details of relevant individuals and then passing them to the Police Match Commander via Operational Planning Units or equivalent. Version 6.00 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 19

20 5.2 Framework for Sharing Information Information sharing must take place in accordance with the principles detailed in the Information Sharing SOP and in terms of any individual Information Sharing Agreement. Where information is to be shared on a regular basis as part of routine partnership working, an Information Sharing Protocol (ISP) should be used The standard ISP template, available via the Football Intranet site, for sharing information with football clubs has been developed in conjunction with Legal Services In order for an Information Sharing Agreement to be drawn up every data controller (including football clubs) is required to register with the Information Commissioner s Office (ICO) unless they are exempt. This is a requirement of the Data Protection Act 1998.Police Scotland representatives should satisfy themselves that the club is correctly registered with the ICO Any breach or suspected breach of information security must be reported to the Information Security Manager as soon as possible via ISO@scotland.pnn.police.uk. 5.3 Process for Implementation of an ISP with a Football Club It is the responsibility of each Local Policing Commander to agree an ISP with appropriate clubs within their area The process for agreeing and signing an ISP is one of negotiation between the two parties, although use of the ISP template should minimise the need for lengthy discussions. Any deviation from the template will require approval by Legal Services Once signed either the signed copy or a copy of it must be sent to Information Assurance for registration, Policy Support will thereafter facilitate publication on the intranet and internet so that the Force s data processing agreements are public and transparent. 5.4 Sharing of Information Most information shared by police and clubs will be governed by the content of the ISP. However, on a case by case basis information not explicitly mentioned in the ISP can be shared. Any such sharing must be capable of withstanding scrutiny and must be recorded in a policy log / notebook / sharing form It should be borne in mind that information should only be shared by Police Scotland if the club is in a position to take action upon receipt of the information It is important that sufficient detail is shared to allow the Club to reach a decision on what, if any, action it should take. Version 6.00 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 20

21 5.5 Specific Processes for Sharing Information All information shared by Police Scotland will be shared by the territorial division having responsibility for that club. Any department or division wishing to share or request information from a particular club must do this through the Football Liaison Officer for each club. Information should not be shared or requested from a club without the knowledge of the Football Liaison Officer or their deputy Information shared with the Club should be entered onto Force Form which will be signed by representatives from Police Scotland and the Club Part 1 of the form contains details of the supporter and the offence / other circumstances and will be left with the Club. Information shared in respect of Football Banning Orders shall be administered via Force Forms and Part 2 of the form should be printed on a separate sheet of paper and is completed by the Club who will detail any action taken by them as a result of the information being shared. This is then returned to the Division who shared the information Information to be shared by the club with Police Scotland should be entered onto Force Form A and the form completed appropriately. 6. Planning for fixtures 6.1 Police Free Matches Comprehensive planning is crucial to delivering an effective policing operation and should commence at an early stage The content of this SOP is primarily directed towards football fixtures where there is a dedicated policing operation. However, increasingly club security staff manage police-free fixtures For the avoidance of doubt, a police free fixture is one where there is no preplanned operational deployment of officers for that event, either inside or outside the stadium. However, officers will still attend if an incident is reported that requires police attendance in line with Contact, Command and Control procedures Experience has shown that police free fixtures may occasionally require a police response due to a spontaneous incident. Divisions may therefore wish to nominate a fully qualified Police Match Commander from on duty resources, where available, who will take command in the event of police being required to respond to an incident associated with such a fixture. Version 6.00 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 21

22 6.2 Pre-season Planning Police Scotland, via the Football Coordination Unit for Scotland (FoCUS), is afforded the opportunity to make representations to the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) in relation to the scheduling of fixtures for each new league season prior to the fixture list being published Prior to each new season FoCUS will contact Divisional Operational Planning Units asking them to identify particular fixtures or combinations of fixtures which could cause an undue impact on police resources or local communities based upon factors such as competing events, local rivalries or community concerns. 6.3 Briefing of Players, Coaches and Other Officials A briefing will be provided by the police to all registered club players, coaches and other relevant club staff whose actions may have a direct impact on the field of play to ensure they understand their legal responsibilities during fixtures. The briefing will be provided twice a year: not less than 2 days prior to the official commencement of each football season, and as soon as is practicable after the closure of the January transfer window A copy of this briefing is available on the Football Intranet site Where the risk assessment dictates, including relevant intelligence or previous incidents involving specific clubs, further briefings may be issued to reinforce the responsibilities of those involved in forthcoming fixtures. This may include fixtures involving clubs affiliated to the Scottish Junior Football Association In order to assist the clubs to ensure that all players, coaches and relevant officials are available to attend, the police commander will ensure briefings are conducted at a time convenient to each club and take no more time than is absolutely necessary. The police commander must ensure that the briefing is provided in a suitable language/format for those individuals with particular needs as identified by the club. This could include provision of interpreters at briefings or provision of translators for the written word to facilitate delivery of briefings in languages in addition to English An attendance list will be completed and retained by the police officer conducting the briefing. 6.4 Pre-match Planning Once fixtures are published, such as the forthcoming league season, a Divisional representative should meet with the clubs within that Division to discuss their fixtures and agree an initial match category. Version 6.00 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 22

23 6.4.2 Due to the nature of cup competitions, notification of fixtures generally involves a shorter timescale than league fixtures. 6.5 Pre Match Intelligence Assessment A pre match intelligence assessment should be completed by the Football Intelligence Officer / Local Intelligence Officer in relation to each fixture using Form This should then be forwarded for the information of Operations Planning and the Match Commander Further interim and final assessments should be submitted as appropriate. 6.6 Match Risk Assessment and Match Categories Divisional Coordination Units / Operational Planning Units are responsible for carrying out a risk assessment which will highlight the appropriate risk category for each football match. This process will be recorded on an Event Risk Assessment form Based upon the risk assessment, Divisional Coordination Units / Operational Planning Units must ensure adequate resources are available to ensure the event is safe. As such, when planning for a football match it is important to understand that a football match is an event in its own right and requires those involved in the planning and categorisation of the event to address all risks associated with it. This will involve assessing the risks within the stadium where the actual match is to take place and those to the wider community outside the stadium The final decision on the category of any specific match rests with the Police Match Commander and should reflect all relevant concerns A standardised set of categories is used to highlight the risk of disorder associated with individual football fixtures: Category CS club security only ('Police Free'. Call 999 or 101) Category A low risk of disorder; Category B medium risk of disorder; Category C high risk of disorder; and Category C-IR category C with increased risk of disorder. Version 6.00 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 23

24 6.6.5 A Category CS ('Police Free') football event is any football event where, following prior liaison with the Safety Officer responsible for the safety operation within the stadium and completion of the 'Event Risk Assessment' (Form ) which will address risks associated with the event as a whole, both within and outside the stadium, it has been determined by the Match Commander that police officers will not be deployed in any operational capacity to the football event, either within or outside the stadium environs, unless in response to a report of any incident where a police officer is requested to attend. Such requests will be assessed in line with current Contact, Command and Control procedures for dealing with emergency and non-emergency calls and will not be refused on the grounds of the football match being a Category CS ('Police Free') For match categories, other than CS, the Match Commander may determine that there is no requirement for officers to be deployed within the stadium. This should not be confused with the term 'Police Free' as officers may still be deployed to address potential issues outside the stadium environs It is important to note that where officers are within the stadium during a football event either as part of an operational deployment agreed during the initial planning phase, where they self-deploy, are subsequently requested to deploy, or for any other reason they should execute their duties in line with Section 20 of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012, regardless of the category of the football event concerned Divisions should use these categories as a planning tool to ensure that the appropriate number of policing resources can be deployed to minimise the risk of disorder at individual fixtures. The police and club should meet during the pre-season to agree on the: Policing resources that are required to minimise the risk of disorder associated with each match category; and Initial match category allocation for all known fixtures for the forthcoming season The presence/advice of the Football Intelligence Officer and Football Liaison Officer will help this process There is no prescriptive method for calculating the policing resource requirements that should be assigned to each match category. The proposed requirements should, however, reflect an objective and justifiable assessment of the resources required to minimise the risk of disorder. To achieve this, various resource-related factors will need to be considered. Version 6.00 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED 24