Protection officers’ lodgings ‘worse than cells’
A POLICE chief has apologised after hundreds of officers drafted in for Donald Trump’s visit were forced to sleep in conditions “worse than police cells”.
The officers, among thousands from around the country seconded to protect the US president, were forced to sleep in “unacceptable” conditions in a cramped gymnasium in Essex.
After doing 15-hour shifts, they had to bed down on mats on the floors of squash courts.
The Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers, said that the accommodation was disgraceful and was worse than the conditions which a prisoner arrested by the officers would be entitled to. Simon Kempton, a senior official, said: “These officers have been asked to leave their families to travel to another part of the country to help protect the public and the president and all they expect in return is to be treated with some dignity and some respect.
“What’s clear is that anyone overnight who has been arrested by the police would be put in accommodation far superior to what the officers are staying in.”
David Jamieson, West Midlands police and crime commissioner, joined the criticism, saying that the conditions were an “absolute disgrace”.
Pippa Mills, Essex Police assistant chief constable, apologised for the poor conditions and added that alternative arrangements had been made.
She said: “The conditions which I have been made aware of are not acceptable. Working with our military partners, we have found alternative accommodation. This will address the concerns highlighted.”
Mr Trump’s visit has prompted the biggest mobilisation of officers since the London riots of 2011.