Port of Tilbury-Police Constable

[Fedster + 1,307]

Force is preparing for next month's challenge.

The Mounted Section, which faces the threat of being disbanded, preparing for the day

 

The chairman of Thames Valley Police Federation says he is “absolutely confident” the force will be able handle the royal wedding - despite concerns over resources.

Craig O’Leary says policing the event will be the “biggest single commitment” the force has ever undertaken.

“The biggest issue is resourcing. Cuts mean we have less than say five or six years ago, it is the single biggest headache,” he told Police Oracle.

Over the last seven years £99million has been removed from TVP’s budget and a further £14.3million savings need to be made over the next three years.

The force will face challenges in cover for investigation hubs with more than 2,500 officers stationed at Windsor on the day.

Officers will work 12-hour shifts - the majority on route-lining duties. 

Mr O’Leary says overall he is confident the force can “absolutely” handle the largest event it has ever had to police and referred back to 2002 when he assisted at the funeral procession of the Queen’s Mother as a special constable.

He added: “This is a big undertaking of resources on policing and operationally there are thousands of officers taking part, but it is business as usual.

“The force has put the right measures and resources in place. Hopefully we shouldn’t face anymore challenges than this and deliver a safe royal wedding for everyone.

“There may be teething problems on the day, but nothing we can’t overcome.”

When asked if he has received positive feedback from the officers involved he said the majority are “all for it” and are pleased to play a part in some way.

He said: “The number of officers involved is a huge amount of resource and most officers are looking forward to being involved in what will be a unique occasion for them.

“I’m confident that it will be a showpiece event and that Thames Valley Police will be at the forefront of that.”

The marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will take place at Windsor Castle on May 19.

Last week it was revealed the security operation for the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge cost police more than £6 million.

View On Police Oracle

[SD + 688]

Fool! It’s was a perfect opportunity to get accross how the cuts are causing issues and the Fed choose to ignore it. 

[Hyphen + 693]

6 hours ago, SD said:

Fool! It’s was a perfect opportunity to get accross how the cuts are causing issues and the Fed choose to ignore it. 

My first reaction when I read this

[Pavillion 43]

It appears the cuts have not effected the ability of this Police Force to provide a service.  very refreshing to hear things like this.

[Beaker 817]

It appears the cuts have not effected the ability of this Police Force to provide a service.  very refreshing to hear things like this.

I would say that most likely they'll try and get every single SC in they can, cancel any leave and drag people in on their rest days while also asking mutual aid from surrounding forces in the way of Horses, firearms and dogs (who will also likely have their days off cancelled). I wouldn't be surprised if they had assistance from military units as well. This isn't of the same scale as the last royal wedding, but it won't be an easy thing.

Also TVP are I believe looking at getting rid of their horses as a result of funding cuts.

[Hyphen + 693]

38 minutes ago, Pavillion said:

It appears the cuts have not effected the ability of this Police Force to provide a service.  very refreshing to hear things like this.

Can’t disagree with your point of view from the article and information pushed out from forces.

Unfortunately the reality is anything but, I am sure many rank and file officers are angry at this.

[Reasonable Man + 1,231]

Fool! It’s was a perfect opportunity to get accross how the cuts are causing issues and the Fed choose to ignore it. 

I can't see how he could have said anything but what he has. Clearly the cuts have not been such that the force is unable to cope with such a huge policing event. He would look very silly if the Force is all set up to police the Royal Wedding and he goes to press saying 'we can't cope with this, we don't have enough officers' etc.
What would have been interesting would have been if the Chief Constable had said to Harry, 'Sorry old chap but can you hold your nuptials elsewhere because I don't have the resources to be able to guarantee your safety.'

[SD + 688]

9 hours ago, Reasonable Man said:

I can't see how he could have said anything but what he has. Clearly the cuts have not been such that the force is unable to cope with such a huge policing event. He would look very silly if the Force is all set up to police the Royal Wedding and he goes to press saying 'we can't cope with this, we don't have enough officers' etc.
What would have been interesting would have been if the Chief Constable had said to Harry, 'Sorry old chap but can you hold your nuptials elsewhere because I don't have the resources to be able to guarantee your safety.'

If you can’t work out how he could’ve pitched it you’re not as smart as I thought you are.