Information for organisers and the public about police involvement in events, processions and protests.
Police involvement
HIOWC works to prevent crime and disorder, prevent breaches of the peace and minimise serious disruption. Officers may speak with organisers before and during an event, plan policing around routes and locations and take proportionate action where offences, violence or disorder occur.
Planning an event, procession or protest
Organisers are responsible for planning and managing their event safely. Depending on the activity and the law that applies, advance notice, permissions or information about a procession, route, location or expected attendance may be required.
Tell us about an event, procession or protest
Public safety
Organisers should consider the safety of people taking part and others who may be affected, including access, traffic, crowd movement, first aid and the risk of damage, fear, alarm or disruption. Police responsibility is focused on policing functions such as maintaining the peace, preventing and investigating crime and responding to disorder.
Violence and disorder
Most events and protests take place peacefully. If violence, serious disorder or another offence occurs, police may intervene and use the lawful powers available in the circumstances. If you witness an incident, move to a safe place and use the appropriate reporting route.
Police filming
Police may record activity where this is lawful and necessary for an operational purpose, including gathering evidence or intelligence connected with crime, disorder or future policing activity. Information gathered by police is handled under the applicable information and records controls.
Who leads policing
HIOWC is the territorial police force for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and ordinarily leads territorial public-order policing in its force area. Specialist or mutual-aid support does not displace the lawful HIOWC command arrangements that apply to the operation.