Ministry of Defence police will work alongside Police Scotland’s dive and marine unit to patrol the River Clyde during the COP26 conference.
It is understood that the Ministry of Defence police will provide an “armed policing presence” on the Clyde in support of Police Scotland. The dive and marine unit of Police Scotland specialise in security searches, missing persons and evidence recovery from water.
During COP26, the Ministry of Defence Police will monitor the body of water, which is approximately four miles, with assistance when required from Police Scotland divers.
In addition, waterways are currently being searched by specialist officers from Police Scotland’s Dive and Marine Unit in the lead up to COP26.
Superintendent Stevie Irvine, Police Scotland Maritime Security lead for COP26, said:
“Our specially trained divers will patrol and search the River Clyde, particularly restricted areas, in the run up to COP26. This is a historic event, with one of the biggest mobilisation of police assets the UK has ever seen, and that means some restrictions are needed to help keep participants, visitors and members of the public safe.
Any protest activity in or around the waterways during COP26 will be met with a proportionate policing response which balances the needs and rights of those wishing to take part, against the safety and wellbeing of protesters. This is all part of our work to support the delivery of a safe and secure event and we would ask that if you spot anything unusual in or around the waterways – report it to the police. Trust your instincts if you see something that doesn’t seem right.”
Superintendent Sandy Stewart, Ministry of Defence Police, said:
“Our marine unit officers will be supporting the Police Scotland operation for COP26, providing a 24/7, armed policing presence on the River Clyde and ensuring compliance with the legal restrictions put in place, to deliver a safe and secure event for all involved.”
The COP26 climate conference is being held in Glasgow from 31 October to 12 November and is one of the largest events the city has ever hosted.
I will sound pedantic, but the Ministry of Defence Police are in fact a civilian and not military force.
Nee Nar, Nee Nar………see yooz, get aff ma riverrr!
Apologies in advance for the stereotypical accenting!
Why is this even news lol? what next, “police patrol their local beat” or “Cops drive police car with blue flashing lights on”
Because they are MoD police and thus of defence interest.
Because there is a major international conference going on and they have one of the or the largest marine / weapons capability of any police force.
Because RN assets are built on the Clyde.
Because George is Scottish and why not.
Any or all of the above.
Yeah I suppose, why not. They are Armed mod cops.
This being the conference held to combat climate change which will see world leaders fly in from all over the world to tell us to cut back on flying? I have always found such conferences more than ironic.
-gasp- that’s why they’re cutting the hercs!
I too would lump this in with defence news.
Only in secret. Look up a book called “Hunt for Zero Point” regarding aero propulsion. It is probably at A51 as we speak.
Lol, why can’t they just use Skype or something?
Because I wanted to write about it, that’s all there is to it.
👍
Anyone know the make and model of the police boat in the photo?