DPF Briefing

July 2005

G8 detachments

During the recent MDP deployments at Clyde and Prestwick (as part of the UK-wide G8 Policing strategy involving most branches of the UK Police Service) DPF Area Representatives were on-site for the duration of each operation to meet with the members stationed at both locations and also those on detached duty there.

Jock Connelly (MidWest Secretary) attended Clyde 03-05 th July and Paul O’Neill (Northern Secretary) attended Prestwick 06-08 th July. During this time they met with members of the Special Escort Group (Aldermaston), Operational Support Unit (North), Divisional Support Group (Scotland) and local officers at either site.

The accommodation provided was acceptable although OSU (N) had to stay in Mess accommodation at Clyde as an operational requirement for part of the tasking. However single rooms were negotiated for on their behalf. HDPF members were required to share.

The catering unit of the Metropolitan Police was in attendance at Prestwick for the duration feeding all personnel on site. Both hot meals and packed lunches were on offer by way of a voucher system. This substantially increased the morale of those working long hours on-site.

Risk assessments had been carried out prior to the operation and no Health & Safety issues were prevalent. Nor were any major problems identified at either location although an issue specific to Operation SORBUS detachments was raised by members at Prestwick (on MDP Operation ECLIPSE). This related to differing overtime rates being paid to Home Department Police Forces, including Inspecting ranks. Whilst the financial aspect of the G8 Policing operation is directly paid for by the Scottish Executive, the different rates of overtime pay for a “mutual aid” operation raised some concerns from those on duty. Albeit there is some question as to whether MDP are a part of Operation SORBUS or deployed as a consequence of it.

Scottish Police Federation have confirmed that the subject of overtime payments on ‘mutual aid’ deployments has been raised at PNB. Should agreement be reached and if applicable to MDP, DPF will stake a claim with the official side. Members are advised to claim for the hours they worked but to keep a copy of their 260’s in case PNB agreement affecting MDP is reached in the future.