American and Canadian law enforcement officials visited Police Scotland for learning ahead of the World Cup being held there next year.
The six-day visit was part of their preparations for football’s biggest tournament and Police Scotland shared organisational learning, challenges and our proportionate partnership approach to the policing of football in Scotland. Representatives from fire departments were also part of the visit.
Twenty-three delegates were welcomed last week at Police Scotland Headquarters, Jackton police training centre in East Kilbride, Hampden Park and Ibrox stadium, before culminating with insight on the running of matchday operations led by the club safety officer at Celtic Park.
Police Scotland has a reputation around the world for the policing of major events with experience including the Commonwealth Games, UEFA Euro 2020, golf championships, COP26 and the Cycling World Championships.
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie, lead for Operational Support, said: “We recognise the significance of the World Cup host nation’s law enforcement agencies looking to Police Scotland for learning and best practice.
“Policing football is increasingly challenging. We work alongside football governing bodies, clubs and the criminal justice sector to encourage deterrents for people who get involved in disorder and use pyrotechnics. These people have no regard for communities, no regard for the reputation of Scottish football and no regard for the vast majority of supporters who go to football to simply enjoy it.
“I hope the public can take confidence that their police service is being recognised on a global stage for our policing tone, style and proportionate approach as part of our multi-agency work to support football and other major events.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
