Criminal Damage Related to Protest Activity

Request

1. Outline the current guidance and protocols South Yorkshire Police follows when dealing with criminal damage related to protest activity.

2. Explain what measures are in place to ensure consistency of response, so that the public can trust that all cases are treated impartially.

3. Confirm whether officers receive specific training or direction in this area, and how oversight is maintained.

Response

I sourced your request to our Operational Support Public Order Team who have supplied the following information.

Question 1

South Yorkshire Police deal with all instances of criminal damage as instances of criminal damage, regardless of if they are protest related or not.

Question 2

We follow the National Curriculum set by the College of Policing; this ensures consistency of response.

Question 3

We have nationally accredited trainers who ensure we are following the above Curriculum set by the College of Policing.