With the football season in England now a few weeks in, Counter Terror Policing detail their ‘Know your Game Plan’ advice, and why supporters are integral in fighting the threat of terrorism at sporting events
After a long summer of international sport, the domestic football and rugby seasons have kicked off with a reminder to supporters to be vigilant and ‘Know the Game Plan’. The appeal comes from Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) and is part of the work officers have been carrying out in the sports sector to encourage fans to report any security concerns to stewards or staff.
CTP has been working with the Premier League, English Football League (EFL), Premiership Rugby and individual clubs to enhance measures designed to keep supporters safe, and to raise awareness of the threat from terrorism among club employees and supporters. While there is no specific threat to football or rugby grounds, the project is part of a wider police plan to work more closely with different crowded places sectors such as retail, hospitality and entertainment.
Other sports such as cricket and tennis have also been supporting the initiative, while former England football internationals Alan Shearer, David Seaman and Paul Parker took part in a police ‘Know the Game Plan’ Twitter campaign during the World Cup.
Additionally, nearly a quarter of a million sports event stewards have been issued with a short guide giving key advice to help protect crowds of spectators. This takes the form of a compact, credit card size booklet that acts as a quick aide memoire on actions to take in different security situations. These are predominantly, but not exclusively, terrorism related. For example, there is information on how to deal with exposure to hazardous substances such as acid. This advice has already been shared with emergency service first responders and is now being extended to private sector security workers.
A successful security operation
National police coordinator for protective security, Chief Superintendent Nick Aldworth says: “The chance of being caught up in a terrorist attack is low but it is important the public feel confident in coming forward and report any concerns to matchday staff or police if they see something suspicious. We know fans can play a role in a successful security operation and the more clubs encourage supporters to do this, the more likely they are to act on their instincts and not worry they might be mistaken or wasting time.
“Most concerns will turn out to be nothing and that’s absolutely fine. It’s far better to say something than risk an important piece of information being missed. Our mantra is Action Counters Terrorism. If you see something, don’t hesitate to ACT.”
In the week leading up to the first round of Premier League fixtures, CS Aldworth visited Stamford Bridge to see the security preparations being made for Chelsea’s campaign. He followed this up with a trip to the EFL’s Stoke City, where similar work was being undertaken for their first home game against Brentford in the Championship. The visits were an opportunity to see some of the developments over recent months put into action.
Bob Eastwood, security and operations advisor for the EFL, played a key role in bringing clubs and CT specialists together at security workshops and seminars.
He says: “Getting supporters to think about security is just part of the work football has been doing in partnership with the police. Over the last 12 months we have held many events all over the country so counter terrorism officers and stadium security managers can share their knowledge and stay a step ahead.
“Events such as these has helped clubs gain a better understanding of the threat and the many options - large scale and simple - available to them to further enhance existing security measures. In turn, the football professionals can bring our experience of matchday operations to the discussions and help police understand what the challenges are for us.”
Sports venues
Building on the work with football authorities and clubs, police opened their workshops out to other sports with representatives from cricket, tennis, horse racing, netball, among the delegates attending sessions. Officers also addressed the Sports Ground Safety Authority annual conference, attended by a wide range of sports security officials.
CS Aldworth adds: “Football led the way but since starting that work, Premiership Rugby have been doing a great job to ensure the message gets out to their supporters. Our next key project will be to work with the cricketing authorities to look at how we can collaborate on arrangements for next year’s World Cup.
“Again we are stressing this is not because of a specific threat to sports venues but part of CTP’s overall strategy to work as closely as possible with the different sectors that operate in crowded places to collaborate more. Whether you work in a shop or at a sports stadium - whether you are out looking for a bargain or cheering on your team - everyone can play a role in keeping our communities safe. We want everyone to go out and enjoy themselves but feel entirely comfortable in reporting any concerns.”
The key ‘Know the Game Plan’ advice all fans going to stadium based events is:
- Arrive early, allowing more time for security checks
- Minimise what you carry, fewer bag searches will speed up entry to the ground
- Be vigilant at all times and if you see anything suspicious, tell a steward right away
- If you see anything that could pose an immediate threat to safety, call 999
- In an emergency inside the stadium, listen to the Public Address instructions and follow them
- If told to evacuate, do so immediately, do not wait around to film events on your mobile
- Move right away from the stadium as quickly as possible for your safety and to allow clear access for any emergency vehicles
- Once you are safe, follow the local police force on Twitter.
New national police coordinator or protective security
Chief Superintendent Nick Aldworth is the new police National Coordinator for Protective Security, replacing CS Scott Wilson who has retired from the service.
Nick started his career in policing in 1990 after serving in the Royal Air Force Regiment. Initially he joined the Thames Valley force where he worked in a variety of uniform and armed policing roles. On transferring to the MPS he joined the Specialist Firearms Unit, SCO19 and was the Tactical Firearms Commander for Central London throughout the 2012 Olympics.
A year later Nick was posted to the Palace of Westminster as Chief Inspector Operations and Security, responsible for the day-to-day leadership of 500 staff delivering the policing and security plan across both Houses of Parliament. Later he was promoted to Protective Security Operations (CT PSO) with the responsibility of delivering security measures and advice across London, as well as providing intelligence to armed protection operations in the UK and abroad. Nick successfully led PSO throughout the terrorist attacks of 2017 - a period of his career he says he is most proud of.
Earlier this year he took on his current role and the responsibility for helping all police forces deliver protective security as well as working with partners to ensure UK policing is resilient enough to respond to terrorist attacks. The post includes supporting the management of the National CBRNe Centre, the development of specialist CT armed policing capabilities and organisational learning for CT across the UK and overseas.
