NEWS RELEASE / London’s Metropolitan Police Service – One thousand additional armed officers have been freed up to carry out patrols across the UK one day into Operation Temperer.
The extra officers add to a wider policing plan which sees increased patrolling at crowded places, iconic sites and transport hubs as police and partners do everything they can to protect the public.
Following the appalling terrorist attack in Manchester, Operation Temperer was activated on Tuesday night after the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) raised the threat level to “critical”. This means that their assessment is not only that an attack remains highly likely, but a further attack may be imminent.
In this phase of Temperer up to 3,800 military personnel can be mobilised to support police within 12 to 96 hours of a terrorism incident occurring in the UK, under the well-rehearsed contingency plan. Police remain in control of any operation that has military support, commanding the troops in line with their own officers.
The move sees military being deployed to protect key sites, freeing up armed police officers who are usually responsible for carry out these static guarding duties, in an effort to help keep our streets safe.
It means the public will see more armed officers out and about, both on foot and in vehicles, conducting proactive operations and targeted patrols to help deter and disrupt terrorist activity. At this time there are no plans for military to patrol the streets or other public places.
The increase in threat level may mean additional police and security checks at ports, airports and rail stations, which may cause disruption to journeys. Passengers should plan in advance and allow extra time to travel where possible.
We are urgently reviewing security of all key sites and major upcoming events over the coming days and weeks as a precautionary measure. Specialist officers and protective security experts continue to work with organisers around having appropriate security measures in place.
Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, head of national Counter Terrorism Policing, said: “The public expects us to do everything we can to prevent further attacks and to protect them from harm. They will see increased police patrols in the coming days, while there will be more armed officers at key locations, transport hubs and crowded places to deter terrorists and reassure the public. We are grateful to the military who have enabled us to put even more police on the streets to protect the public at this time.
“It is critical that the public work with us and remain vigilant. If you see anything that causes concern, then let us know immediately. Look out for anything that seems out of place, unusual or doesn’t seem to fit in with day-to-day life. It may be nothing, but if you see or hear anything that could be terrorist-related then trust your instinct and call us in confidence on 0800 789 321, or in an emergency 999.”
