Patrol and engage order of the day at Tall Ships
“Armed officers will be on duty ... to reassure visitors”
CHIEF SUPT PITT
More than a thousand officers from Northumbria Police will be on duty as excitement builds ahead of The Tall Ships Races.
The regatta last visited the North East two years ago over the August Bank Holiday in Blyth, and it’s now less than five weeks until the coastline running from Sunderland to South Shields will be glistening in the international spotlight.
With thousands of people expected to descend on the city in celebration of the event, police are continuing their preparations to help ensure that everything is in place so everyone can safely enjoy the five-day extravaganza.
The force’s Marine Unit will be out on patrol to help keep the port secure and respond to any incidents, while armed officers will be deployed on the ground with the same overarching aim – to keep the public safe.
But the presence of armed officers in and around Sunderland should not be something that alarms the public, insists Chief Superintendent Sarah Pitt.
“As with any major events like these where we expect large crowds in attendance, it does pose some challenges for us as a force,” said Chief Supt Pitt.
“Armed officers will be on duty, and I know to some, that sight can cause concern. I’d like to stress that they will be there to reassure visitors. They have a vast amount of experience in policing these events and have plans in place to deal with any eventuality.
“We won’t just be there to patrol though. Our officers are there to engage with you, to share in the pride and excitement that the event will bring to Sunderland and South Tyneside.
“It would be great to chat to you, to take pictures with you, and to discuss the issues affecting you in your village, your town or your city.”
Over the coming weeks, police will confirm more information ahead of the event – from road closures to designated meeting points and wristbands which will be made available for children and the vulnerable in the event of getting split up from their family or friends.
For more information on the event, visit https://www.tallshipssunderland.com/ or follow @NorthumbriaPol on Twitter for the very latest.