Police Scotland is launching a six week campaign to highlight the work of Project Servator – a tactic designed to disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public.
Project Servator deployments will form an important part of the policing operation for COP26 and Police Scotland has been working with Glasgow City Council, British Transport Police (BTP) and the business community to build a network of vigilance and encourage the reporting of suspicious or unusual activity. The highly visible and unpredictable deployments are carried out regularly across the country by police officers specially trained to identify individuals who may be planning or preparing to commit a crime.
These officers are supported by a range of specialist resources including police dogs, horses, armed officers, CCTV operators and security staff, and can use Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology. Key to the success of Project Servator is the support of the public to be extra eyes and ears for the police, reporting anything that doesn’t seem right, to help make it even harder for criminals to succeed. A six week advertising campaign will remind people of the important part they can play.
Chief Superintendent Mark Hargreaves, Lead Planner for COP26, said: “COP26 is one of the largest policing operations the UK has seen and we plan to utilise all resources at our disposal to support the delivery of a safe and secure event. “Project Servator has proven to be an effective tactic in helping to disrupt criminal activity and keep people safe and has been deployed successfully at major events in the past such as the Commonwealth Games and Edinburgh Festivals.
“Support from businesses, partners and members of the public is vital to its success which is why we are working with communities, British Transport Police and local authorities and councils across the country, including the host city of Glasgow. We can all play a part and I would encourage you to get involved.
“If there’s a Project Servator deployment taking place in your area, speak to our officers who will be happy to provide information and reassurance. Together, we’ll help keep COP26 and Scotland safe. “Remember if you see something suspicious, or if something doesn’t feel right, let us know immediately. You can do this by speaking to a police officer or calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.” Superintendent Dave Marshall, British Transport Police said: “We’ve been using Project Servator across the railway network for nearly six years now and seen first-hand the effectiveness of this tactic in deterring crime and terrorism, particularly when it comes to policing significant events.
