The below answers in blue are in response to Royal Gazette questions regarding the December 2nd 2016 protest at the House of Assembly.

December 14, 2016

Q: Please can the Commissioner say when he first knew that a protest against the airport bill was planned, when he became aware that it would happen on December 2 and when preparations for policing the protest began.

A: Information regarding potential protests at the House of Assembly was circulating via social media a few days before the event. Accordingly, the BPS started to make plans at that time for policing the event. The details of what the protestors were planning did not become known until the day. On Friday morning, uniformed police officers advised those protestors blocking the gates that they were committing an offence, and the officers encouraged them to desist from obstructing the entrances. These conversations continued throughout the morning, and many were captured on video. Officers reminded protestors and organizers that their actions must be lawful, and they must not intrude on the rights of others or impede the rule of law. The difference between peaceful protest and unlawful actions was clearly explained.

Q: Also – at what time was the decision taken to send in the PSU?

A: Once it was announced that the House would sit, police initiated positive action to open a path around 1:00 pm. Police officers approached the protestors that were blocking access, warned them that they were committing offences, and instructed them to desist. Immediately the crowd surged and some of the protestors assaulted the officers. As a result, a second group of officers was deployed to arrest those who continued to block the gates. They were not deployed as a Police Support Unit (PSU) and they did not carry shields. Rather, they were wearing protective helmets as a precaution based on the aggressive behviour of some members of the crowd. This group of officers was also assaulted. Some officers deployed incapacitant spray (Captor) in a proportionate response to disperse the crowd and to create a safe separation. The decision to de-escalate was taken after it was announced that the House would not sit.

December 7, 2016

Q: Can you give details of the injuries sustained by officers?

A: 14 officers were assaulted, 8 of which amounted to common assault. The remaining 6 injuries constitute actual bodily harm (ABH).

Q: Did any need medical treatment and, if so, to what extent?

A: 3 officers were treated at the hospital and released the same day.

Q: Has anyone else been arrested yet in connection with breaking the law at Friday’s protest?

A: No.

Q: How many arrests in total so far?

A: 1. The rest will be dealt with by summons.

Q: I know the answer to my next question is likely to be a ‘no’, but….would any of the officers who took part on Friday be able or willing to talk about what they faced/had to deal with when they got to the Hill?

A: No.

Q: Have any officers involved in Friday’s protest been flown off the island for safety reasons?

A: No. If so, how many and why? N/A

December 6, 2016

Q: Which individual took the decision to deploy a PSU to the grounds of Sessions House on December 2, 2016?

A: The command and administration of the BPS is the remit of the Commissioner of Police. The Governor may provide general directions of policy with respect to the maintenance of public safety and public order but it is for the Commissioner to determine the use and control of the operations of the service.

Q: Was anyone outside of the BPS told about the decision before it was enacted?

A: No.

Q: Did the BPS have any communications with the Speaker of the House on December 2, 2016?

A: Only in as much as to clarify the timings for the House.

Q: How many complaints of assault have been made to the police by members of the public regarding Friday’s protest?

A: 26 complaints have been recorded from members of the public that will be notified to the independent Police Complaints Authority and investigated.

Q: How many complaints of assault have been made by police officers regarding protestors?

A: Six officers received injuries. Statements of complaint from other officers regarding common assault are still being recorded and numbers are not currently finalized but expected to exceed 20.

Q: Can we have a copy of the BPS’s policy on the use of pepper spray?

A: Yes, I will ensure that any PATI application for it is expedited.