The Public Order Unit is a unit within the police force that is dispatched when there are large crowds causing a disturbance or if there are large protests, either planned or unplanned. Their main objective is to keep order and peace within the crowds. You may have seen these police officers at festivals, sports matches, or during a protest.
These police officers have been specifically trained in public order tactics specific to public order and riot control. Their skills and levels of dedication are nothing short of extraordinary. It is not every day that you find people who are willing to stand their ground against an angry mob to ensure that their community stays safe.
What Is the Public Order Unit?
The Public Order Unit is a group of Police officers specially trained for violent situations. They can be called upon when there are large crowds that are causing trouble. Examples of crowds that could be included in this are spectators at a football match or protesters. The aim of the Public Order Unit is to manage crowds and to maintain the peace.
The unit is made up from a variety of ranks within the Police. These include constables, sergeants and inspectors. There are many roles within the Public order unit, such as a tactical advisor, spotters and first aiders to name a few.
What is the structures of the Public order unit?
Within the public order command structure there are different levels, such as Gold, Silver, Bronze commanders and the Police Support Unit (PSU), with specific officers who have been given authority to carry out the command role.
Gold Commander
A gold commander is a person who is in charge of the operation. This would generally be a high ranking officer. The gold commander provides authorisation for tactics and oversees the operation. Their duties include:
- Accountable for the policing of the event
- Determines strategic objectives
- Has overall command responsibility throughout the event
- Sets tactical parameters
- Develops a working strategy in response to an incident taking place
(This is not an exhaustive list)
Silver Commander
The silver commander sits below the gold commander and similar to the gold commander coordinates the operation. Their duties include;
- Establishes a command structure that is relevant to the need of event
- Acts as a link between the Gold and Bronze commander
- Assesses the information available to evaluate the risks
- Is located suitably to be easily available
- Logs all decisions in the command book to provide an audit trail
(This is not an exhaustive list)
Bronze Commander
The bronze commander reports to the silver commander and is the commander who overseas the officers on the ground. Their duties include;
- To gain a clear understanding of the Gold commander’s plan
- Implement certain aspects of the Silver commander’s plan
- Makes decisions relevant to their role
- Ensures that staff within their domain are properly briefed and understand their roles and limits
- Keeps the Silver commander updated on any changes
PSU Commander
Each unit of officers generally has a sergeant and inspector. They are in charge of the constables, leading them in the operation and they also play a big role in reporting back information to the command structure.
How to Become a Riot Police Officer?
Generally, you will need to complete a two-year probationary period with the Police. Before applying for the level 2 Public Order course. Once you have been trained in this, you will be called upon to assist when required.
It is clear to see that the Public Order Unit within the police force is a complex role and that those who partake in it need to undergo rigorous training in order to meet the standards and criteria of their organisation. These Riot Police need to be pragmatic in their thinking and need to be able to problem solve to the best of their ability in order to prevent as much risk as possible. This cannot be an easy task.
How Much Do Public Order Police Get Paid?
There is no difference in Police salary for public order officer. They still get paid their standard Police salary.
What Do Riot Police Carry?
Whilst Riot police are not armed, they sometimes carry a taser. They generally carry a large baton, shield, and helmet and have protective overalls/pads on.
Riot police use the gear below to protect themselves when in a situation with large crowds:
- Riot shield
- Helmet
- Arm, elbow and shoulder guards
- Side handle baton
- Foot, shin, knee and thigh guard
What Are Police Riot Shields Made Of?
Police riot shields are made of 4mm thick transparent polycarbonate plastic. This is the same material that spectacle lenses and bullet-proof glass is made of. It is important to note, however, that the riot shield is not 100% bullet-proof.
Therefore, the next time you see police in action, take time to think about how much training goes into serving your community.
