North Yorkshire Police is proud to support the Armed Forces Day national event in Scarborough

With thousands of spectators set to flock to Scarborough this weekend for the Armed Forces Day national event (Friday 24 June to Sunday 26 June 2022, with the main event on Saturday 25 June), North Yorkshire Police and our partners will be on hand to ensure it is a safe and secure occasion for all.

This annual event, held in different locations in the UK each year, commemorates the service of men and women in the British Armed Forces.

 

 

Up to 100,000 people are expected to gather in Scarborough.

It is an opportunity for the public to show their support and appreciation to those who make up the Armed Forces community, from currently serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.

 

 

Scarborough Borough Council has ownership of event management, and the Royal Navy is the lead service within the Armed Forces and is responsible for military representation at the event.

Attractions expected on Saturday 25 June include air shows and a naval beach landing. 

Community events will also be taking place using the beach and pier. 

Foreshore Road will be host to military stalls and demonstrations.

During the planning phase and during the event itself, North Yorkshire Police is working closely with Scarborough Borough Council, the military and other key partners.

 

Superintendent Ed Haywood-Noble, North Yorkshire Police’s Event Silver Commander, said:

“This will be one of the largest events and police deployments in North Yorkshire this year and we are delighted to be playing our part in its success.

“Scarborough is used to holding large public events such as the Tour de Yorkshire with similar numbers of spectators. 

“We are mindful that there will be a substantial section of the community, including residents and visitors, who are not involved with Armed Forces Day and wish to go about their usual daily business with as little disruption as possible.

“Access for emergency services is also a key consideration for all the partners involved in the planning of the event and this will be prioritised throughout the weekend.

“We are all working together to deliver a safe, secure and memorable national Armed Forces Day for all.”

 

Crowd safety and crime prevention

North Yorkshire Police will be deploying enhanced levels of resources to crowded locations during the event.

This is not because we anticipate any disorder – we expect there to be a celebratory and family atmosphere, with our style of policing reflecting the occasion. 

Supt Haywood-Noble said: "We are conscious that large crowds are expected to gather in certain areas of Scarborough, so our policing teams will be working alongside the event stewards to make sure there is no overcrowding and to prevent opportunist thieves and other criminals taking advantage of the situation.

“Safety and security are our overriding concerns throughout the event."

 

 

 

Project Servator and public vigilance

Project Servator deployments have been in operation in the build-up to the Armed Forces Day national event and they will continue throughout the weekend.

This policing tactic is designed to disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public.

The approach relies on unpredictable and highly visible police deployments, whilst at the same time, building a network of vigilance made up of business and community partners, and the public.

 

 

Project Servator differs from normal policing in that officers involved are specially-trained to spot tell-tale signs that someone may be carrying out hostile reconnaissance – information gathering that may help them plan or prepare to commit a crime.

Servator is a Latin word which means ‘watcher’ or ‘observer’, and the core principle behind the police tactic is: 'Together, we've got it covered'.

 

 

Making a report

If you see something suspicious, please tell a police officer, use the force’s online form to tell us about possible terrorist activity, or call the confidential Anti Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.

If it's an emergency, always call 999.

You’ll find more information on what to look out for and how to report it at ACT (Action Counters Terrorism).

We have no reason to believe this event will be targeted by a terrorist attack. But if the worst happens, RUN, HIDE, TELL.