SCOTLAND: Emergency plans for protests
01 November 2001
Emergency plans are to be rushed through which will allow Strathclyde police to spend £1 million to train 600 officers to deal with public protests. They will have helmets with built in face masks and will also carry reinforced see-through shields similar to those used by the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC). The goal is to have at least 200 officers who are highly trained in riot control techniques available at any time. They will receive a week's training which will include guidance from RUC officers. The other seven forces in Scotland are understood to be planning similar programmes. Additionally the Strathclyde force is to spend £360,000 on nine special riot control vehicles. Known as Public Order Vehicles they will replace the old Ford Transit vans which have previously been used. They will have grilles, reinforced glass, special security doors and can be fitted to hold water cannons.