GMP considering training more riot cops 'to keep people safe' at major events

GMP is proposing to make public order training for officers mandatory. The move comes as the region regularly hosts major sporting events, political conferences and sees demonstrations, both peaceful and volatile, on its streets.

There is also the simmering potential for unrest as inflation remains high, the economy struggles, industrial action is taken and threatened and energy bills are set to increase massively, plunging more into poverty.

The force is already required to police home games at Manchester City and United, which can bring a large influx of away fans into the city centre, especially for European matches. In recent years there have also been major marches and demonstrations. These include Black Lives Matter protests following the death of unarmed black man George Floyd in the US., a cost of living protest in February; and consecutive weekends of people gathering in Piccadilly Gardens to show solidarity with Ukraine in the war with Russia.

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Hundreds of people have also taken to the city centre's streets in recent years to demonstrate against Covid restrictions and vaccinations, plus Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone plans. Manchester has hosted political party conferences, for both Labour and the Conservatives - a major policing operation.

Chief Superintendent Mark Dexter, Head of GMP’s Specialist Operations Unit, said: “Though the force already has a sufficient number of public order-trained officers, consideration is being given to training more front line officers in public order tactics to enhance our capability to keep people safe at the many events we police both locally and nationally. The