RGP officer completes public safety course

The Royal Gibraltar Police’s Inspector Sean Picton has just returned from Kent where he was successful in passing the College of Policing’s Public Order, Public Safety Bronze Commanders’ Course.

These are skills that can be used at a major public events such as football matches, political rallies, public demonstrations or music events.

The RGP uses three levels of command, Gold at strategic level, Silver at tactical level and Bronze at the operational level to ensure public safety at large events.

Elements of the course Mr Picton attended included Operational Planning, Legal Requirements, Resources, Use of Cordons, Barriers and Vehicles, and Contingency Planning.

“The task for Mr Picton was slightly more difficult than that of other students because Gibraltar’s legislation is slightly different from that in UK,” a spokesman for the RGP said.

“In some of the other discussions, such as the Best Use of Police Horses it was rather difficult for him to make a meaningful contribution.”

Mr Picton learnt valuable lessons from the course and learnt how no matter the nature of the event, what is most important is keeping the public safe.

“Often, this level of public safety can be ensured by good forward planning,” Mr Picton said.

“In my 13 years as a police officer, this was one of the best courses I’ve attended.”

“It had a real relevance to my job and it gave me a different perspective on my duties at a major event.”