Police forces working together to support the visit of US President

For several weeks the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and the National Police Coordination Centre (NPoCC) have been coordinating the deployment of officers, staff and resources around the country to support the operation.

NPoCC is responsible for the deployment of police resources from across UK policing to support forces during large scale events and operations, such as the NATO Summit, Notting Hill Carnival or the 2017 terror attack in Manchester.

Demand on policing is particularly high across the UK this week, with chief constables working to balance support for the Presidential visit, and policing any associated protests, with minimising the impact upon local police services.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Shead of the National Police Coordination Centre said:

“Police forces are working together on a significant, multi-faceted security operation supporting the Presidential visit to the UK. Nearly all police forces in England and Wales are providing officers and resources to assist with the operations in areas hosting the visit.

“Following England's World Cup match on Saturday, forces are reporting exceptionally heavy demand. Emergency calls spiked significantly after the match and have continued to remain high.

"Police chiefs are working to balance support for the Presidential visit, and policing any associated protests, with responding to calls for help from the public and minimising the impact on local police services. Unfortunately, this means officers' rest days have been cancelled and many will be working extended 12-hour shifts.

“This is a busy week for policing across the country so please only call 999 in a genuine emergency and don't let the football be an excuse for disorder or obstructing the emergency services.”

There are a number of planned protests set to take place across the country during the presidential visit, with the largest expected in London on Friday 13 July.

All affected forces are planning to facilitate the right to peaceful protest, whilst ensuring that disruption to their local communities is kept to a minimum.