Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

Public Order

A guide to to public disorder coverage for managers and staff. It does not cover Hostile Environments. Surreptitious (covert) filming must be in line with the Producer’s Guidelines.

Updated: 18 August 2020

In addition to staged demonstrations, events involving large crowds need to be assessed for whether public disorder issues are likely e.g. rallies, large music events, carnivals, football derbies as well as areas where there are local tensions. Where public disorder is expected or likely, the risk assessment should address the makeup of teams, so that they comprise sufficient numbers to carry out tasks required.

What Can Go Wrong?

  • An increased risk of violence associated with staged demonstrations, the environment and the unpredictability of the demonstrators compound the risk.
  • Protestors or assembled crowd may suddenly erupt into violence for no obvious reason. This may cause large groups to panic or rush towards or away from the police causing falls, crushing and physical violence, wounds or even fatalities in extreme cases.
  • Police may employ kettling tactics to contain or restrict access to anyone in the area, potentially restricting people for long periods with no food, drink, water or medical support.
  • Stones, bricks and any materials available locally may be used as weapons or projectiles to attack the police, security forces. Debris may fall on, or even be directed at those covering events.
  • Protestors, police, security forces may discharge Tasers, water cannon, gas canisters, baton rounds or other weapons without warning.
  • Building may be attacked or looted; vehicles or buildings may be set on fire causing fire, smoke and potential for explosions to gas sources etc.
  • Levels of noise, visibility and panic may lead to disorientation and make normal communication impossible.

Legal/Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Requirements 

  • Right to decline: There is no compulsion to undertake high risk work. Staff must only undertake high risk work on a completely voluntary basis. Staff have the absolute right to decline such work, without penalty or any other detrimental consequence.
  • This guide provides important background and information to inform your planning, assessment and arrangements. Reading it does not make you an expert, nor preclude the need for separate risk assessment. If you require any additional information or clarification you should always contact the Safety Advice Line or High Risk team, as appropriate.

Control Measures

Planning

  • Co-ordination of all Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ commissioned coverage of any event, on the ground as well as at base is essential. It may also be useful to co-ordinate with other Broadcasters.
  • Producer should provide clear direction to those involved. Consider gaining interviews and other material away from the disturbance to reduce the risk.
  • If the event is in an agreed area or route the vantage points should be recced. High vantage points may provide better material than from the ground and may reduce the risk.
  • Initial meeting points, location of vehicles, coordination of work and material to be obtained should be agreed with the Producer and teams on the ground.
  • Police, local authority, event organisers or community leaders may have intelligence at the outset or, as the demonstration progresses; to be able to discern patterns which would help inform the safety measures to control risk.
  • Establish who is in overall charge for the Police and the Bronze or Silver Command on the ground (or the equivalents overseas).
  • Overseas police and paramilitary forces are likely to use different tactics, techniques and procedures to UK police. Tear gas, batons and water cannon may be routinely used. The use of live ammunition is also possible.

Communication

  • Effective communication arrangements are vital. The Producer will need to keep close contact with those involved in the coverage to keep them briefed and up to date.
  • The team should maintain immediate contact with each other and their leader (handler) and any backwatchers.
  • If radio or mobile phones are used contact telephone numbers for all the team and relevant emergency services will be needed.
  • OB vehicles, communications vehicles and radio cars will be at secure sites in close proximity to the area of upheaval. They should not be sent to the affected area without clearance from senior editorial staff or resource manager or, where appropriate, by the authority in control.

Major Events Plan

  • There should be a specific plan for a major event, including contingencies. The whole team should be informed of the plan.
  • As part of the planning for large scale events the need for staff rotation should be kept under review for the period.
  • The contingency arrangements should detail:
  • Initial meeting point and emergency meeting points,
  • Escape routes (primary and alternative) including car escape routes,
  • Emergency procedures and arrangements,
  • First aid arrangements and access to the nearest medical facility.

Safe Systems of Working

  • Where public disorder or civil disturbance is expected, there must be at least two people in a team. All individuals involved should be attached to a team.
  • The team must stick together and if any member exercises their right to withdraw, the whole team should do so and the situation must be re-assessed immediately.
  • It needs to be agreed in advance the role each member is to take:
  • Appoint a leader to co-ordinate.
  • Agree how each person is to be supported e.g. Buddy/buddy system.
  • Agree who is to anticipate and monitor the crowd’s actions acting as "back watcher". The role may need to be filled by a specialist minder.
  • Staff must withdraw if there is a threat from a deadly weapon or crowd dispersal equipment. Deadly weapons include any items which would have no other obvious use, or pose a significant threat to life. Examples would be a firearm, sword, machete, spear, petrol-bombs etc. Crowd dispersal equipment (e.g. CS gas, water-cannon) poses a significant risk in close-confined areas or if the amounts used saturate.
  • Take cover or withdraw if armed persons prepare to fire. Immediately withdraw or take cover if they come under attack.
  • Surreptitious (covert) filming must be in line with the Producer’s Guidelines.
  • Withdraw if the team’s presence appears to be prolonging or intensifying a dangerous situation
  • Stop filming/recording if subjects appear to behave abnormally because of the presence of cameras/microphones.
  • Consider the advantages or disadvantages using equipment or vehicles that are unmarked or bearing the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ’s logo or livery; or even marked as TV or Radio.
  • In some situations it may be useful to be seen as Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ or a Broadcaster rather than mistaken for using a camera for another organisation (e.g. Police/security forces).
  • Avoid conspicuous use of filming or recording equipment.
  • Never attempt an immediate reconstruction of an incident or episode for editorial as well as the obvious safety implications.

Equipment

  • Production equipment. To help prevent fatigue or restriction of movement equipment should be small, lightweight and portable.
  • Survival/PPE equipment. Take only essentials but be prepared to survive prevailing weather conditions with appropriate clothing and sufficient food/water.
  • Public order packs, containing personal protective equipment (PPE) including stab vests, helmets, goggles and face masks are available from Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Safety Equipment Store (16 Mortimer Street, London, W1T 3JL), or from regional centres for Nations & Regions staff.
  • As with all PPE, suitable training should be received in the correct use of the equipment, instruction is delivered during a public order training course.
  • Upon return, all equipment should be returned. Any damage to PPE, use of consumables or deficiencies should be brought to the attention of the store manager, so that they can be repaired or replaced.

Competence and Training

  • It is essential that anyone who is sent to cover such events is competent and has received training where practically possible.
  • The risk assessment should address makeup of the team so that it comprises competent people with correct training and experience.
  • Staff liable to cover riots should qualify on a Public Order course. Specific public disorder training is not covered on the Hostile Environments courses.

Division Specific Issues

  • No division specific issues.

FAQs/Did You Know?

  • The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ uses the Metropolitan Police’s Public Order Training Centre, where training is provided by a specialist contractor.
  • Bespoke or specific event focused training can be arranged using the training provider.

Personal security topics

  • Security (Personal) Measures you can take to help protect yourself
  • Security (on Location) Advice for maintaining security on productions
  • Covert Filming A guide to a genre of programmes which involve investigative journalism, surreptitious and covert filming or recording, creating potential personal security risks.
  • Courts of Law A guide to working in, outside or, around courts following a news story.
  • Demonstrations, Protests, and Crowds Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Safety has a whole host of safety guidance to assist teams when they are planning a deployment to a demonstration or protest.
  • Door-Stepping The risks of obtaining an interview, or piece to camera, from a contributor without prior arrangement or agreement.
  • Harassment and Stalking Guideline to harassment and stalking, including internet / social media trolling.
  • Lone Working This Guideline sets out the hazards and precautions to be considered when lone working, whether it is in the office, on location or overseas.
  • Security on Location Guideline provides measures to help mitigate the security threats associated with production activities on location, including door-stepping, covert filming, working with crowds and public order issues.
  • Violence and aggression Guidance on dealing with violence and aggression

More from SSR

  • Your platform to record accidents, risk assessments, assurance monitoring and inspections
  • Safety Equipment Stores Just one number to call: 0844 800 8875
  • Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Safety Guidelines An A-Z of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's Health and Safety Guidelines
  • Safety Advice Line: 0370 411 0464 Email: safety@bbc.co.uk

About this site

This site describes what the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ does in relation to managing its health, safety and security risks and is intended for those who work directly for the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ.

It is not intended to provide instruction or guidance on how third parties should manage their risks. The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ cannot be held liable for how this information is interpreted or used by third parties, nor provide any assurance that adopting it would provide any measure of legal compliance. More information

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